The George Washington University will award honorary doctoral degrees to three individuals with distinguished records of achievement and service in their respective fields at this year’s May 17 Commencement celebration on the National Mall.
Entrepreneur and business owner Virginia Ali co-founded Ben’s Chili Bowl, an iconic D.C. restaurant that has been a cultural landmark in the city for more than six decades. Monumental Alumna Michele Anthony, B.A. ’77, is a distinguished music industry executive who currently serves as executive vice president of Universal Music Group. Alumnus Willie Hensley, B.A. ’66, is one of the most influential Alaska Native leaders of the last century, whose work has transformed the political, economic and cultural landscape of Alaska and advanced the rights of Indigenous peoples across the United States. These distinguished honorees will be joined by Rebecca Kutler, B.A. ’01, who was announced earlier today as this year’s keynote speaker.
GW President Ellen M. Granberg said the distinguished professional achievement and public service of these nominees are marks for GW graduates to aspire to as they begin working to make a meaningful difference in their communities and around the world.
“The honorary degree candidates we will be recognizing at this year’s GW Commencement exercises reflect the university’s close ties to the community as well as the depth, breadth, and character of a GW education,” Granberg said. “Celebrating Virginia Ali, Michele Anthony and Willie Hensley reinforces the values that have shaped this university as a force for preparing leaders, fostering partnership, and connecting people who—together—will continue to change the world for the better.”
Ali is the co-founder of Ben’s Chili Bowl, one of Washington, D.C.’s most historically significant restaurants. Established in 1958 with her late husband, Ben Ali, the restaurant has become a must-visit destination in the city, serving presidents, civil rights leaders, artists, students and community members for more than six decades.
She successfully grew the business into a nationally recognized brand while maintaining its family-owned roots and strong commitment to community engagement, local hiring and mentorship. Beyond her entrepreneurial achievements, Ali has been a dedicated advocate for small businesses, minority entrepreneurship and historic preservation in D.C., serving on numerous civic boards and initiatives.
Over the years, Virginia and Ben have received countless awards and accolades, including the prestigious America's Classics Restaurant Award from the James Beard Foundation. They were inducted into the DC Hall of Fame in 2002 and were later given the Key to the City by then-D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty in 2008. More recently, the Smithsonian placed Ben’s Chili Bowl on its list of the 20 Most Iconic Food Destinations Across America.
Her legacy is further preserved through the Ben’s Chili Bowl archives housed at GW’s Special Collection Research Center, documenting decades of cultural and business history.
Ali will receive an honorary Doctor of Public Service.
Anthony has built an exceptional career at the highest levels of the global music industry. As executive vice president of Universal Music Group and former president and chief operating officer of Sony Music Label Group U.S., she has held senior leadership roles within two of the world’s most influential music companies. Her strategic leadership, business expertise, and sustained impact on artist careers and industry development distinguish her as a leader of national and international prominence. In 2026, she was honored as the recipient of Clio Music’s Impact Award.
She earned a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy from GW’s Columbian College of Arts and Sciences in 1977 and in 2021 was recognized as a Monumental Alumna, a distinction honoring GW’s living alumni who have made an impact on the world through their work and service and who embody the ideals of the university.
Beyond her executive leadership, Anthony has contributed to philanthropic, cultural and advocacy initiatives through board service and civic engagement. She serves on the boards of several prominent industry and cultural organizations, including the Recording Industry Association of America, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, She is the Music and Global Citizen.
Anthony will receive an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters.
Hensley is a pioneering Alaska Native leader who was a principal architect of the Alaska Native land rights movement and played a central role in the passage of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) of 1971, regarded as one of the most consequential Indigenous rights laws in U.S. history.
He graduated from GW in 1966 with a B.A. in political science and a minor in economics.
In addition to his advocacy, Hensley has been a key figure in advancing economic, social and health development and services in Native communities. He served for 20 years as director and eventually president of NANA Regional Corporation, created because of ANCSA. He was a founder of the Alaska Federation of Natives and served in leadership roles. Hensley served in the Alaska House of Representatives and State Senate and later as Alaska Commissioner of Commerce. He spent 10 years as manager of Federal Government Relations for the Alyeska Pipeline Service Company in D.C.
His influence extends into education and public discourse. Hensley taught as a distinguished visiting professor of business and public policy at the University of Alaska Anchorage and authored the acclaimed memoir “Fifty Miles from Tomorrow,” which offers a personal and historical account of Alaska Native life and the fight for land rights.
Hensley will receive an honorary Doctor of Public Service.