Columnist to Receive Honorary Doctorate

Los Angeles Times columnist Al Martinez will receive an honorary doctor of humane letters degree Friday in commencement ceremonies at Whittier College.

Martinez, a Topanga resident and a journalist for 40 years, 25 at The Times, is being honored for “his commitment to and achievement of excellence in journalism,” said college President James L. Ash Jr.

Actress Judith Malina, who also will receive an honorary degree, will be the keynote speaker for the college’s 93rd commencement. Ceremonies will begin at 9 a.m.

Also receiving an honorary degree will be Harriet Doerr, author of the National Book Award-winning “Stones for Ibarra.”

Martinez began writing a column for The Times in 1984, the year he shared a Pulitzer Prize Gold Medal awarded to the paper for outstanding public service.

Martinez has written half a dozen books; his latest is “City of Angles: A Drive-By Portrait of Los Angeles.”