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Video Profiles: 2022 Honorary Degree Recipients

Video Profiles: 2022 Honorary Degree Recipients

The University of Oklahoma awarded honorary degrees to five outstanding individuals in recognition of their extraordinary achievements and generous service to others.

Receiving honorary degrees were: James J. Mulva of De Pere, Wisconsin, a successful businessman and retired naval officer whose generosity has enhanced one of OU’s most treasured landmarks and will safeguard the rich tradition of the university’s ROTC programs; R. Lynn Riggs, an internationally recognized Cherokee poet, playwright, screenwriter and drama theorist whose work depicted both the allure and tragedy of pioneer life, who will be honored posthumously; Susan Stroman of New York City, a five-time Tony Award-wining director and critically acclaimed choreographer who has helped elevate OU musical theatre to even higher national stature; J.C. Watts Jr. of Oklahoma City, former OU quarterback who made history by becoming the first African American elected to a statewide office in Oklahoma and the state’s first Black United States Representative; David Brooks of Washington, D.C., a bestselling author, New York Times columnist and the 2022 Commencement speaker.


James Mulva

James J. Mulva of De Pere, Wisconsin, a successful businessman and retired naval officer whose generosity has enhanced one of OU’s most treasured landmarks and will safeguard the rich tradition of the university’s ROTC programs.


R. Lynn Riggs

R. Lynn Riggs, an internationally recognized Cherokee poet, playwright, screenwriter and drama theorist whose work depicted both the allure and tragedy of pioneer life, who will be honored posthumously.


Susan Stroman

Susan Stroman of New York City, a five-time Tony Award-wining director and critically acclaimed choreographer who has helped elevate OU musical theatre to even higher national stature.


J.C. Watts

J.C. Watts Jr. of Oklahoma City, former OU quarterback who made history by becoming the first African American elected to a statewide office in Oklahoma and the state’s first Black United States Representative.


David Brooks

David Brooks of Washington, D.C., a bestselling author, New York Times columnist and the 2022 Commencement speaker.