Oakland University is gearing up to honor four remarkable individuals with honorary degrees during its spring 2025 commencement. This recognition celebrates their significant contributions to various fields and the lives they’ve touched.
Irene Miller will receive a Doctor of Humane Letters. As director of the Eleonore Hutzel Recovery Center at the Detroit Medical Center, she has been a powerful force in mental health. Miller’s work spans decades, impacting countless lives. She’s not just a professional; she’s passionate about public service too. Her roles on important committees, such as the Child Welfare League of America, highlight her commitment to community well-being. As a Holocaust survivor, Miller shares her inspiring story in her memoir, Into No Man’s Land, which is used in classrooms nationwide. She’ll be honored at the 9 a.m. ceremony on May 1.
Michael Shapiro will be awarded a Doctor of Business. A significant player in the real estate sector, Shapiro runs M. Shapiro Real Estate Group. His journey is deeply personal; he honors his parents, Holocaust survivors, through community service. Appointed to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum by President George W. Bush, Shapiro also contributes to various organizations, advocating for health and education. Notably, he was involved in establishing the Sara and Asa Shapiro Heart and Vascular Intensive Care Unit at Beaumont Hospital. Shapiro’s impact on his community earned him the Max M. Fisher Award for Outstanding Philanthropist. He will receive his award during the 2 p.m. ceremony on May 1.
Brent Wirth will be recognized with a Doctor of Humane Letters for his commitment to mental health and wellness through education. As CEO of Easterseals-MORC, he’s expanded the organization’s reach dramatically, helping thousands in need. His collaboration with Oakland University’s Social Work Community Advisory Board is a model for effective partnerships. Wirth is celebrated for his community compassion and dedication, and he’ll be honored at the 9 a.m. ceremony on May 2.
Dr. Richard Frankel will receive a Doctor of Medicine for his contributions to medical education and research. As a professor at Indiana University, he has published extensively, advocating for a holistic view of the doctor-patient relationship. Frankel’s dedication also extends to mentoring future medical professionals, shaping the next generation of healthcare leaders. He’ll be recognized at the 2 p.m. ceremony on May 9.
Honorary degrees from Oakland University signify not just individual achievement but also a commitment to community values and public service. This tradition underscores the university’s mission to connect academic excellence with real-world impact, celebrating those who inspire positive change.
For additional insights and context on the significance of honorary degrees in fostering community ties, you can explore this National Committee on Accrediting report.
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