“I’m Batman!â€
Those were Michael Keaton’s final words during his Spring 2018 graduation ceremony address at a packed Dix Stadium on May 12. Not only did the Oscar-nominated actor impart wisdom as the university’s commencement speaker, but he also joined more than 3,000 graduates in wearing their caps and gowns as he received an honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters for his extraordinary contributions to film performance.
The ceremony brought full circle the journey he began at Kent State 47 years ago when he enrolled as a student in 1971 to major in journalism and speech before leaving to chase his dreams as an actor.
In total, Kent State conferred 5,345 degrees this spring. This included 124 bachelor’s degrees and 11 master’s degrees from the School of Communication Studies.
Watch the One University Commencement Ceremony