Commencement

Oakland University presents honorary degrees at spring commencement

Lori Blaker, Beth Gotthelf and David McMillan were all honored at this year’s spring commencement ceremonies.

Beth Gotthelf speaks during Graduate Education commencement ceremony following her honorary degree award presentation.

David McMillan speaking at the OU CAS commencement where he was awarded an honorary doctorate.

Lori Blaker was presented with her honorary degree by from left, School of Business Administration Dean Michael Mazzeo, Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost James Lentini and Oakland University President Ora Hirsch Pescovitz.

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icon of a calendarApril 29, 2019

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Lori Blaker, Beth Gotthelf and David McMillan honored at this year’s spring commencement ceremonies
Beth Gotthelf is honored with an honorary doctorate degree during the graduate education commencement ceremony on Thursday, April 25, 2019.

Lori Blaker, Beth Gotthelf and David McMillan were all honored at this year’s spring commencement ceremonies with honorary degrees.

In accordance with Article IX of the Bylaws of the Board of Trustees at Oakland University, honorary degrees may be awarded by the Board in recognition of distinguished accomplishment and service within the scope of the arts and letters, sciences, professions and public service as recognized and supported by the University.

The awarding of honorary degrees reaffirms Oakland University’s scholarly, creative and humanitarian values, and ties the university to the community at large.

The Oakland University Board of Trustees approved awarding of the degrees at their formal board meeting on February 7.

Lori Blaker was selected to receive an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science Honoris Causa. She has been described as a visionary and has been honored internationally for her leadership of TTI Global. While unable to finish her degree at Oakland University due to family circumstances, she worked her way up in her family’s automotive business, eventually being named CEO. She has helped grow the company to more than 2,000 employees on five continents. Her company is known for its dynamic culture and commitment to diversity and inclusion. She has also led worldwide projects to train women in business, create sustainable business opportunities in conflict and non-conflict areas and been involved in the effort to stop sex trafficking of young girls. Read more about Lori Blaker’s approval for an honorary degree.

Beth Gotthelf was selected for an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Humanities Honoris Causa in recognition of her many contributions to Southeast Michigan, the legal community and her voluntarism that has led to the betterment of our region. She graduated from OU with a degree in public administration and public policy. She later earned a law degree. She currently serves as Director of Innovation and External Relations, co-chairs the Energy and Sustainability practice, chairs the Aerospace and Defense Industry team and is a shareholder in Butzel Long’s Bloomfield Hills office.  Read more about Beth Gotthelf’s approval for an honorary degree.

David McMillan was selected to receive an Honorary Degree of Humanities Honoris Causa as a well-known artist of exceptional merit. Born in Scotland, he immigrated to the United States and became a naturalized citizen at age 14. He has had 30 solo exhibitions of his work, and his work on the time lapse photography of Chernobyl Exclusion Zone spanning 21 visits over the last 25 years is his latest passion. His work reminds us that humankind has the ability to destroy, but nature has the ability to heal. McMillan’s Chernobyl series exhibition recently premiered at the Oakland University Art Gallery. Read more about David McMillan’s approval for honorary degree.

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