Tuesday, March 11, 2014

This just in from Garry Apgar:

[The Chicago Tribune published this ACME wire service photo of Walt being honored by USC in June 1938, but mistakenly promoted him to an honorary Doctor of Science:

“Disney a Doctor”

Chicago Tribune, June 6, 1938, p. 22

   Los Angeles, Cal., June 5. — [Special.] — Walter E. Disney, creator of Mickey Mouse and other cartoon cinemas, was awarded an honorary doctor of science degree by the University of Southern California in the 55th commencement exercises, held in Los Angeles Memorial coliseum. President Rufus B. von Kleinsmid conferred the honor “in recognition of distinguished achievements in cinematography.”]

2 comments:

Todd J. Pierce said...

Assuming customs are the same now as they were in 1938, Walt is definitely receiving an honorary Master's degree. He is being hooded without sleeve stripes.

Garry Apgar said...

Yeah. Besides, if USC had really given Disney a doctorate, Yale and Harvard would have had to up the ante later that month (for the honor of the Ivies) when they gave Honorary Master's degrees to Walt.