The Board of Trustees conferred honorary degrees to two Ohio University alumni Friday.
Michael E. “Scoop” Jackson and Violet Lenore Patton each received honorary doctorate degrees from OU after unanimous approval from the Board of Trustees. The degrees recognize each person’s contributions to OU and society overall, said Chair M. Marnette Perry.
“Both of them have had exemplary careers and accomplishments,” Perry said. “Their work exemplifies what we want in an honorary degree recipient at Ohio University.”
Jackson, from Troy, graduated with a bachelor’s degree in education from OU in 1968 and spent 23 years in the U.S. Air Force, retiring as a lieutenant colonel.
Jackson was granted a doctorate of Public Service for his extensive career supporting both the Air Force and education in the U.S.
“Mr. Jackson’s civic and charitable activities, whether on behalf of young people, veterans, or other groups in need, all point to the extraordinary energy, inspiration, and organization he brings to every project he undertakes,” states the board’s resolution. “…Mr. Jackson has devoted his life to serving others, seeking consensus, meeting community needs, and using his education and skills for the betterment of mankind.”
Patton, similarly, graduated with a bachelor’s degree in education from OU in 1938. Patton, originally of Williamsburg, has worked extensively in education and philanthropy, as a teacher, professor, textbook illustrator and conference organizer.
Patton has donated more than $41 million to OU, including a $28 million gift to the College of Education in February 2010. The school, now named the Gladys W. and David H. Patton College of Education and Human Services, is named in honor of Patton’s parents. She received a doctorate of Humane Letters.
“Miss Patton believes that the education she received at Ohio University was the foundation for her future successes,” states the resolution. “Despite her career taking her outside of Southeast Ohio, Miss Patton never forgot her roots. She has a strong history steeped in educational pursuit and advancement, and even in her most senior years she displays the passion of a true Bobcat.”
Neither recipient was present at the meeting.
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