Honorary degrees to be awarded
For commencement exercises in May, Utah State University will honor outstanding individuals like composer John Williams, businessmen Stephen R. Covey and J.R. Simplot, environmentalist Terry Tempest Williams and philanthropist Janet Q. Lawson with honorary degrees.
According to James A. MacMahon, vice president for university advancement, these individuals were chosen for their importance to society and how they have touched citizens of Utah, the nation and the world.
“This is just a way to reward them for the professional work they have done,” MacMahon said.
Honoring such people expresses the values held by the university: aiming for excellence, respecting diverse ideas, showing gratitude to those who have helped the university and recognizing those who have touched the world, MacMahon said.
A screening committee composed of members of the Board of Trustees, faculty members and a representative of the Associated Students of USU reviews nominations, said Jan Appuhn, assistant to the vice president of university advancement. The Board of Trustees then confirms the selection.
“I am very pleased with the caliber of individuals this year’s committee has chosen,” said MacMahon. “It will be a pleasure having these people with us here on campus.”
John Williams is the composer of music known worldwide, such as the themes of the 1984, 1988 and 1996 Summer Olympic Games and the NBC Nightly News Theme. He has won five Academy Awards and has composed music for more than 45 films, including “E.T. (The Extra-Terrestrial),” “Jaws,” “Star Wars,” and more recently, “The Patriot.”
Stephen R. Covey, co-founder of the Franklin Covey Co., will give the commencement speech this year. Time has recognized him as one of its Top 25 Most Influential People, and his book, “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People,” has sold more than 12 million copies in 32 languages and 75 countries.
J.R. Simplot has a big effect on agribusiness with the Simplot Company. McDonald’s exclusively uses potatoes produced by his company for their French fries.
“You bet on your judgment – then take what comes, do the best you can with what you’ve got and let things grow,” is Simplot’s philosophy.
Terry Tempest Williams, a native of Utah, has been very expressive about environmental issues and has authored several books to create a sense that places are as important as people.
Janet Q. Lawson is a skier who gave up her opportunity to participate in the Winter Olympics to be a nurse during World War II. Her father helped start the ski industry in Utah, thus making Lawson an avid supporter of the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics. She and her children have donated more than $2.6 million dollars to help cultural events like the symphony and the ballet be performed with the Olympics.