Recently, Wash. U. decided to award Richard Mahoney, former chairman and CEO of Monsanto, an honorary degree. This decision has ruffled a few environmentalists’ feathers, and some are calling for this decision to be revoked.

As a Wash. U. alumni and a Monsanto employee, I was disappointed to read Amanda Wolff’s opinion piece about our university awarding Dick Mahoney an honorary degree. It is unfortunate that Ms. Wolff chose to focus on recycling urban myths about Monsanto rather than doing some research and sharing some thoughtful commentary about Dick Mahoney.

Last week, Washington University announced it will award retired chair and CEO of Monsanto, Richard Mahoney, an honorary degree at the upcoming graduation ceremony. While Monsanto has strong financial ties to the University, they are complex and controversial.

How should a nonprofit decide from whom to accept money? The answer is not always obvious. Dance Marathon, a yearly charity event at Wash. U. that benefits Children’s Miracle Network, is currently participating in Monsanto’s “Grow St. Louis Contest.