Michael Uslan to Receive Honorary Doctorate from Monmouth University

Michael Uslan, executive producer of the Batman motion picture franchise and a pioneer of the academic study of comic books, thereby elevating the stature of the medium, will receive an honorary doctorate from Monmouth University during their annual Founders’ Day Convocation next Wednesday.  He currently holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in history, a master of science degree in urban education, and a law degree, all from the University of Indiana.  The honorary doctorate will join the doctor of jurisprudence degree he earned at UI.   In May 2006, he delivered a commencement address to graduates of the University of Indiana.  In 2001, he donated his collection of comics book and graphic novels to the University of Indiana.

Monmouth University, located in West Long Branch, New Jersey, is a Division I school offering undergraduate and postgraduate study.  The University’s administrative building, Wilson Hall, formerly known as Shadow Lawn, served as the mansion of Daddy Warbucks in the 1982 motion picture, Annie.  The university has a small but worthy collection of books about graphic novels and comic books.

(Hmm… the school mascot has a bit of a dark knight aura.)

Official PR:

MONMOUTH UNIVERSITY TO HOST ANNUAL FOUNDERS’ DAY CELEBRATION AND CONVOCATION

Batman Movie Producer Michael E. Uslan Will Deliver Convocation Address and Receive Honorary Degree

Monmouth University is pleased to announce that it will host its annual Founders’ Day celebration on Wednesday, October 10, 2012, with the Convocation ceremony beginning at 2:15 p.m. in Pollak Theatre. The Convocation Address will be delivered by the Originator and Executive Producer of all the Batman Movies and former Ocean Township resident Michael E. Uslan, who will receive an honorary degree during the event.

Michael E. Uslan has brought some of the most memorable films to the big screen. He is one of the highest-grossing movie producers of all time, with The Dark Knight alone passing the $1 billion mark, and The Dark Knight Rises poised to do the same. Uslan has been involved in such films as Constantine and National Treasure, and is executive producer of every modern Batman film from Tim Burton’s Batman with the Jersey Shore’s Jack Nicholson and Batman Returns with the Jersey Shore’s Danny DeVito to Christopher Nolan’s trilogy of Batman Begins, The Dark Knight, and the 2012 blockbuster,The Dark Knight Rises.

Uslan has authored several books including his 2011 memoir, The Boy Who Loved Batman, which describes his journey from Ocean Township, N.J., to Hollywood, originating one of the most successful global film franchises. He is the recipient of many awards include an Emmy Award for bringing Carmen Sandiego to television. As a college student, Uslan made history by starting the first accredited college course on comic books as a legitimate American art form and as our modern day mythology.

During the ceremony, Monmouth University will also honor Professor Emeritus of English Donald B. McKenzie and Associate Professor Emeritus of Art Arie van Everdingen, who will receive the prestigious President’s Vision Award. John O’Donnell ‘67, retired engineer from Honeywell Business and Commuter Aviation, will receive the 2012 Distinguished Alumni Award.

Founders’ Day is a campus-wide event that celebrates Monmouth University’s founding as a junior college in 1933. The first Founders’ Day was held in 1983 as a part of the University’s 50th anniversary celebration and has since become a University tradition.

The celebration is centered on the Convocation ceremony, presided over by President Paul G. Gaffney II, and attended by invited guests. The ceremony is devoted to the remembrance and renewal of Monmouth University’s dedication to education and scholarship. It begins with a formal academic procession and includes the presentation of awards and honorary degrees to individuals whose achievements merit recognition or who have been vital in nourishing the life of the University. Student leaders and honors scholars are also recognized.