Oklahoma State University to award posthumous degrees to two students

Friday, March 6, 2009

(STILLWATER, Okla., March 6, 2009) -- The Oklahoma State University/A&M Board of Regents gave approval Friday to award posthumous degrees to Robert Alden Lucy of Tulsa and Kevin Morgan Babson of Olathe, Kan.

The request to award Lucy, a graduate student who died Dec. 6, 2008, a posthumous master of science degree in Industrial Engineering and Management was made by Dr. Karl Reid, dean of the OSU College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology, and the Department of Industrial Engineering and Management.

According to Dean Reid, Lucy had completed all coursework for the M.S. degree and was working on the completion of his thesis at the time of his death.

The OSU Graduate College also approved the request. “It would be a fitting tribute to Mr. Lucy’s academic endeavors to be awarded this posthumous degree,” wrote Dr. Gordon Emslie, dean of the college.

The request to award Babson, who died Nov. 5, 2008, a posthumous bachelor of science degree in Business Administration was made by Dr. Mark Weiser, associate dean; Dr. Sara Freedman, dean; the faculty of the Spears School of Business; and Dr. Martha McMillian, director, and the advisers in the Office of University Academic Services.

According to Weiser, Babson transferred to OSU in 2005 to join the OSU Wheelchair Basketball Team, and although illness prevented him from playing basketball, he persisted academically.

“It is fitting to award a posthumous degree to a young man who worked diligently to accomplish his academic and career goals, despite numerous medical challenges,” wrote Dr. Marlene Strathe, OSU provost and senior vice president.

If approved by the State Regents, the posthumous degrees will be presented on behalf of the university to their families during commencement ceremonies on May 8 and May 9.