Close Close

MONMOUTH UNIVERSITY TO HOST ANNUAL FOUNDERS’ DAY CELEBRATION AND CONVOCATION

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 including 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.

# # #

Media contact: Petra Ludwig at 732-263-5507