PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Portland State University announced their honorary degree recipients for 2025 — featuring a rapper, a civil engineering CEO and a drag artist who have all shaped “Portland’s unique spirit.”

“At Portland State, honorary degrees are more than a tradition — they’re a tribute to those who’ve inspired through intellect, artistry or public service,” Portland State University said in a press release Monday. “This year, PSU is excited to announce three outstanding recipients whose passion for the arts and dedication to public service have helped define Portland’s unique spirit.”

Aminé

Among PSU’s honorary degree recipients: Grammy-nominated artist Aminé.

Aminé, known to his friends and family as Adam Aminé Daniel, rose to fame with his 2016 single “Caroline,” which he wrote during his time as a PSU student, the university said. The single peaked at No. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

Following the success of “Caroline,” the artist released his first album, “Good for you” in 2017 then worked with Montreal-based producer Kaytranada for their release “Kaytraminé.”

Aminé was later nominated for Best New Hip Hop Artist at the 2017 BET Hip Hop Awards and was nominated for a Grammy in 2021 for Best Dance Recording for his collaboration on “Mi High” with Disclosure and Slowthai.

While Aminé tours around the world, PSU says his roots are in Portland, where he graduated from Benson Polytechnic High School and attended PSU to study marketing until deciding to pursue music full time.

The artist was born to Ethiopian and Eritrean immigrants, PSU said, explaining he grew up with music and took inspiration from his family heritage to create his award-winning sound.

“Aminé means so much more than just music for most people. He represents the kids who are determined to reach their goals no matter the inequitable circumstances and hardships one must endure,” one nominator wrote.

“Aminé has created a new path within rap and hip hop — one that allows for creativity and radical expression of self,” wrote another nominator. “His music empowers those who listen, filling them with joy, allowing them to be carefree and for a moment, forget about what may be going on around them or internally.”

The artist has also created The Best Day Ever festival, which was held for the first time in 2024 at McMenamins Edgefield

Aminé’s third studio album, “13 Months of Sunshine,” will be released May 16.

Al Barkouli

The next honorary degree recipient is Al Barkouli, chairman and CEO of David Evans Enterprises, Inc. – a leading company in design and management of transportation, land development and energy projects across the nation, PSU announced. The company was founded in Portland and employs almost 1,300 people across 11 states.

Barkouli grew up in Libya and wanted to pursue a civil engineering career to “improve people’s quality of life,” according to PSU. He ended up receiving a scholarship to the university, where he earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree in civil engineering in 1983 and 1987.

Barkouli later earned his doctorate in organizational culture and leadership from Antioch University, driving his philosophy of “‘success through service,'” which focuses on mentoring the next generation of talent.

Now, PSU is awarding Barkouli for bringing that culture of service and inclusion to David Evans.

“Al is known for his unrelenting interest in uplifting clients, employees and community partners and helping them find success,” said PSU Foundation President Sarah Schwarz. “He is an individual whose professional and civic achievements are truly extraordinary.”

Barkouli has served as a trustee of the Portland State University Foundation Board of Trustees since 2014 and is Chairman of the Board.

Barkouli has also been awarded the Legacy Award from Engineering New Record – Northwest in 2023, along with the Daily Journal of Commerce “Icon” award in 2020 on top of his “Rainmaker of the Year” recognition by the Daily Journal of Commerce.

Poison Waters

Poison Waters, or known as her alter ego David Cook, is the co-hostess of Portland’s Darcelle XV Showplace, where they have graced the stage for last 34 years.

Poison Waters has co-produced a Drag-a-Thon – which won a Guinness World Record for breaking the longest running drag show in 2023 at 48 hours 11 minutes and 30 seconds. The show raised more than $300,000 for the Trevor Project, a nonprofit supporting LGBTQ+ mental health.

Poison Waters can also be found hosting other benefits for charities including the Cascade AIDS Project, Dress for Success Oregon and the Oregon Humane Society, PSU said.

“Poison Waters has consistently shown up for PSU students for the last 5 years. She emceed Lavender Graduation in 2022 and the SALP Student Leadership Awards Ceremony in 2023,” an anonymous nominator wrote. “In 2019 she presented at a 50th Anniversary Stonewall riot event. Poison has also consistently been a resource for the Queer Resource Center staff when they are seeking drag artists or needing to connect with queer community leaders for events. She always shows up and always brings her best.”

Poison has previously been awarded The Assistance League of Greater Portland’s National Operation School Bell Award and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Court System.

Among other awards, Poison has also received the 2023 Mama Bernice Humanitarian Award from the Imperial Sovereign Rose Court of Oregon, the Fred E. Tree Spirit of Stonewall Award for outstanding activism and leadership along with the Red Ribbon Award from the Coalition for AIDS Awareness.

Portland State University added, “Whatever the title, event, cause or venue, one thing remains the same: the important bond between Poison Waters and her audience. She remains ‘the smile on the face of Portland.'”

PSU’s honorees will be celebrated during the university’s commencement on June 12 and 15 at PSU’s Viking Pavillion.