On 7 November 2011, the University conferred honorary doctorates on four distinguished persons. They were Mr. Jimmy Carter, the former US president who has devoted a lifetime to promoting peace and hope; Mr. Joseph Lee, an enthusiastic social entrepreneur; Dr. the Hon. Lee Shau Kee, a distinguished entrepreneur; and Mr. Li Lanqing, the former Vice Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China and an artist.

In addition, the University hosted a dinner in honour of the honorary doctorate recipients on the same day. Honorary doctorate recipients, their family, HKBU Foundation members, donors and representatives of HKBU attended both the conferment ceremony and dinner.