Chapman surprises Jerry Lewis with honorary doctorate

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xc8uMCB_S8&feature=player_embedded]The world’s most beloved absent-minded professor was awarded a doctorate Sunday night.

Chapman University President Jim Doti presented legendary comedian and humanitarian Jerry Lewis with an honorary doctorate from Chapman during the 2010 Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon, live in Las Vegas where the telethon is produced. This year the annual event raised $58,919,838 in contributions and pledges to advance the research and service programs of the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

The doctorate was given “in honor of your magnificent work on behalf of the Muscular Dystrophy Association,” said President Doti, who was accompanied on the telethon stage by Chapman Trustee S. Paul Musco, President’s Cabinet member the Honorable Milan Panic and American Celebration committee member Frank DiBella. The presentation was made possible by Trustee Musco.

Lewis, whose daughter is a Chapman student, is a friend and supporter of Chapman University and has delivered lectures at Dodge College of Film and Media Arts as well as appearing as a guest on Dialogue with Doti and Dodge.