A Division III member institution has expressed its appreciation for NCAA President Myles Brand’s leadership in intercollegiate athletics reform by conferring an honorary degree.

Franklin & Marshall President John Fry conferred the college’s doctor of humane letters degree in a visit Friday to the NCAA national office. Brand is one of five individuals who are receiving the degree this year from the Pennsylvania school.

Fry served on the Division III Presidents Council from 2004 to 2009 and was Council chair during the past two years.

The college will honor other honorary degree recipients, including Colin L. Powell, former U.S. Secretary of State and chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, during commencement ceremonies this Saturday. Powell will present this year’s commencement address at the school.

Other recipients will be Deborah Bial, founder of the Posse Foundation benefiting urban high school students; Thomas G. Phillips III, chairman of The Phillips Group and member of the college’s board of visitors; and Richard D. Winters, a Franklin & Marshall graduate who was featured in Stephen Ambrose’s 1992 book Band of Brothers.