Honorary Member
The title of Honorary Member of Università della Svizzera italiana is conferred as a way of honouring persons who "have particularly distinguished themselves for their commitment to supporting USI". It is conferred by the University Council, and is awarded during the Dies academicus.
Honorary Members
The Honorary Members of USI are (in order of conferment, from most to least recent):
Mauro Martinoni
Mauro Martinoni
Università della Svizzera italiana Honorary Member
For his witty, creative, and pragmatic commitment that allowed the foundation and development of Università della Svizzera italiana.
Conferred on 25 April 2026 during the 30th Dies academicus.
Marisa Garzoni
Marisa Garzoni
Università della Svizzera italiana Honorary Member
For her constant, hospitable, and committed generosity, which has allowed USI to organise conferences, events, courses, and research projects aimed at peace and understanding between cultures
Conferred on 25 April 2026 during the 30th Dies academicus.
Arturo Licenziati
Arturo Licenziati
Università della Svizzera italiana Honorary Member
For his decisive and generous support to the development of the Faculty of Biomedical Sciences at Università della Svizzera italiana
Conferred on 10 May 2025 during the 29th Dies academicus.
Giatgen Spinas
Giatgen Spinas
Honorary Member of Università della Svizzera italiana
For his decisive and generous support for the birth and development of the Faculty of Biomedical Sciences.
Conferred on May 6, 2023, during the 27th Dies academicus.
Lorenza Noseda
Lorenza Noseda
Honorary Member of Università della Svizzera italiana
For the constant and precious contribution of the Associazione Amici dell’Accademia with its scholarships granted to students of the Academy of Architecture of Università della Svizzera italiana.
Conferred on May 5, 2018, during the 22nd Dies academicus.
Carlo Croci
Carlo Croci
Honorary Member of Università della Svizzera italiana
For the decisive and generous support towards the creation and further growth of Università della Svizzera italiana.
Conferred on May 5, 2018, during the 22nd Dies academicus.
Giorgio Giudici
Giorgio Giudici
Honorary Member of Università della Svizzera italiana
For the decisive and generous support towards the creation and further growth of Università della Svizzera italiana.
Conferred on May 5, 2018, during the 22nd Dies academicus.
Elisabetta Pavesi
Elisabetta Pavesi
Honorary Member of Università della Svizzera italiana
For her constant and precious contribution to scholarships and the generous support to groundbreaking projects at USI.
Conferred on April 23, 2016, during the 20th Dies academicus.
Sergio Mantegazza
Sergio Mantegazza
Honorary Member of Università della Svizzera italiana
For his crucial and generous support to the development of Computational Sciences at USI.
Conferred on April 23, 2016, during the 20th Dies academicus.
Amilcare Berra
Amilcare Berra
Honorary Member of Università della Svizzera italiana
For his constant and generous commitment to raising awareness around private financial support of USI.
Conferred on May 14, 2011, during the 15th Dies academicus.
Jost Reinhold
Jost Reinhold
Honorary Member of Università della Svizzera italiana
In recognition of his fundamental contributions to the Fondazione per la ricerca e lo sviluppo dell'Università, to support young people in careers in academic research.
Conferred on November 13, 2004, during the 8th Dies academicus.
Cele Daccò
Cele Daccò
Honorary Member of Università della Svizzera italiana
In recognition of her support, which has made the realisation of the Lugano university campus possible.
Conferred on October 21, 2003, during the 7th Dies academicus.
Honorary Presidents
The honour of Honorary President was bestowed upon the two Presidents in USI's history for their significant contribution to the development of USI:
Marco Baggiolini
Marco Baggiolini
Honorary President
For his fundamental contribution to the development and success of USI nationally and internationally in its first decade and as an expression of the university community's profound gratitude for his clever work as USI's first President and of the scientific world's admiration for his work as a researcher.
Conferred on May 13, 2006, during the 10th Dies academicus.
Piero Martinoli
Piero Martinoli
Honorary President
For his crucial role in advancing and promoting USI nationally and internationally during its second decade. He was instrumental in strengthening scientific research, establishing a centre for computational sciences, and creating the Faculty of Biomedical Sciences. This accolade reflects the University community's deep appreciation and the scientific world's high regard for his contributions as a researcher.
Conferred on May 6, 2023, during the 27th Dies academicus.
