Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine ’69 and First Lady Fran DeWine ’71 receive honorary doctorate degrees from Miami University
DeWines among group of five receiving honorary degrees during Saturday's commencement ceremony at Yager Stadium
Published
Ohio First Lady Fran DeWine ’71, left, and Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine ’69 received honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degrees from Miami University during Saturday’s spring commencement ceremony at Yager Stadium. (Photo by Ricardo Treviño Jr)
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine ’69 and First Lady Fran DeWine ’71 receive honorary doctorate degrees from Miami University
Published
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine ’69 and First Lady Fran DeWine ’71 received honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degrees from Miami University during Saturday’s spring commencement ceremony at Yager Stadium.
The DeWines married in 1967 while students at Miami. Mike DeWine graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Education from Miami, while Fran DeWine earned a bachelor’s degree in Individual and Family Studies.
Mike DeWine has served as Ohio’s 70th governor following his election in November 2018. Prior to that, Mike DeWine was Ohio attorney general, represented the state in the U.S. Senate, and was a four-term U.S. Representative for Ohio’s 7th Congressional District. He was also lieutenant governor of Ohio under George Voinovich from 1991-1994.
A passionate supporter of early childhood literacy, Fran DeWine led the expansion of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library across all 88 of Ohio’s counties, ensuring every child under 5 years old can receive free monthly books.
The DeWines are parents of eight children, grandparents of 28, and great-grandparents of one. Also graduating from Miami on Saturday were the DeWines’ grandson Justin Darling and their great-nephew Brady Struewing.
“Mike and Fran have been very supportive of Miami throughout the years and have forged a special connection to their alma mater,” Miami President Gregory Crawford said. “We are extremely honored to award them both with honorary doctorate degrees, and we are elated they could join us for our 186th spring commencement ceremony.”
Jeff Berding ’91, president and CEO of FC Cincinnati, served as commencement speaker for this year’s event. Berding was one of three others who also received honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degrees, as did David Budig ’84, who served on Miami’s Board of Trustees from 2011-2022; and Kay Phillips Geiger ’78, who embarked on a 45-year career in financial services following graduation.
“Jeff Berding, David Budig, and Kay Phillips Geiger are three remarkable Miamians. This was a tremendous opportunity to recognize them for all they’ve done for the university,” President Crawford said. “Commencement is always one of my favorite days of the year. Being able to have all five honorary degree recipients in attendance to share in the occasion made the day even more special.”
The DeWines married in 1967 while students at Miami. Mike DeWine graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Education from Miami, while Fran DeWine earned a bachelor’s degree in Individual and Family Studies.
Mike DeWine has served as Ohio’s 70th governor following his election in November 2018. Prior to that, Mike DeWine was Ohio attorney general, represented the state in the U.S. Senate, and was a four-term U.S. Representative for Ohio’s 7th Congressional District. He was also lieutenant governor of Ohio under George Voinovich from 1991-1994.
A passionate supporter of early childhood literacy, Fran DeWine led the expansion of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library across all 88 of Ohio’s counties, ensuring every child under 5 years old can receive free monthly books.
The DeWines are parents of eight children, grandparents of 28, and great-grandparents of one. Also graduating from Miami on Saturday were the DeWines’ grandson Justin Darling and their great-nephew Brady Struewing.
“Mike and Fran have been very supportive of Miami throughout the years and have forged a special connection to their alma mater,” Miami President Gregory Crawford said. “We are extremely honored to award them both with honorary doctorate degrees, and we are elated they could join us for our 186th spring commencement ceremony.”
Jeff Berding ’91, president and CEO of FC Cincinnati, served as commencement speaker for this year’s event. Berding was one of three others who also received honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degrees, as did David Budig ’84, who served on Miami’s Board of Trustees from 2011-2022; and Kay Phillips Geiger ’78, who embarked on a 45-year career in financial services following graduation.
“Jeff Berding, David Budig, and Kay Phillips Geiger are three remarkable Miamians. This was a tremendous opportunity to recognize them for all they’ve done for the university,” President Crawford said. “Commencement is always one of my favorite days of the year. Being able to have all five honorary degree recipients in attendance to share in the occasion made the day even more special.”
Established in 1809, Miami University is located in Oxford, Ohio, with regional campuses in Hamilton and Middletown, a learning center in West Chester, and a European study center in Luxembourg.
