Sunday marked the third graduation ceremony at UD Arena over the weekend. The university reported more than 390 graduate and 100 law school students graduated Saturday in two separate ceremonies.
Sheen, a 74-year-old Daytonian whose acting career spans more than five decades, is one of more than 200 people who have received honorary degrees from the university.
UD honorary degree recipients include Philip Gleason, an American Catholicism historian and a 1951 UD alumnus, in 2011. That same year, the university also gave a honorary Doctor of Humane Letters to Archbishop Elias Chacour, creator of the first Arab university in Israel. According to a UD list, they were the last two to receive honorary degrees until Sunday.
“For his internationally recognized artistic achievements, his leadership in humanitarian efforts, his generous giving of himself and resources to those in need and or his deeply felt commitment to Marianist values, the University of Dayton today honors him with its highest award,” said Paul Benson, the UD interim provost, during his remarks before handing Sheen his degree.
Sheen received the honorary degree a few days before a new TV series he appears in, “Grace and Frankie,” airs on Netflix on Friday. The show is about two women, Grace and Frankie, played by Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin, whose husbands ask for a divorce because they’re in love and want to get married.
The audience loudly applauded Sunday and stood as Benson handed Sheen his degree and graduation hood with UD colors.
“It’s like being canonized,” Sheen said, causing laughter to echo within the arena. “Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I’m deeply moved.”
Sheen’s remarks, which were at times humorous, lasted about 10 minutes. He described how many years ago, his father wanted him to attend UD. Sheen said he failed the entrance exam on purpose so he could pursue his career in theater in New York.
“I’m not sure I would’ve done any better if I really tried,” he said.
Sheen told reporters his father made less than $200 per week, but found a way to put money aside for him to go to UD. His father was determined Sheen would get an education. So the graduation ceremony was deeply moving for him.
The university was important to his family, he said.
“This was about my dad,” Sheen said. “I had to come here. I had to celebrate him. He was the best man I ever knew. I still miss him.”
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