Dr. Shaq

Retired basketball star Shaquille O'Neal earns his doctoral degree from Barry University.

Barry's big graduate - Sun Sentinel

 

OUTSTANDING!!

Way to go, Shaq! Here is a guy who is obviously pursuing education for personal enrichment/accomplishment, rather than simply to advance his career. Whenever I see celebrities with habits like this (Bill Cosby and James Franco come to mind) I personally feel that it speaks well of their parents. It is obvious that these people were instilled with a STRONG value for education. That they continue to pursue it, even when they don't "need" it, makes it all the more impressive.

 

I don't really like the special treatment given to a public figure. But then again, I guess if you have the means and money, you could have them fly over to give you one-on-one lessons. Let's see where this story goes.

 

I don't know about Franco's reputation... There is some controversy about his education. The irony is that he received the "D" grade in Acting, now that's what I call funny.

NYU Professor’s James Franco Controversy « Slice of Sasha Pie

 

This was a main stream story about 2 months ago regarding his upcoming graduation. It looked like a very nice school.

 

Congratulations to Dr. Shaq!

 

Doctoral study can take many forms. Universities can change their approach to fit the situation. The only true question is whether or not Dr. Shaq earned his degree. One would have to assume so unless otherwise alleged (and supported).

Congratulations, indeed. I hope his accomplishment continues to be a role model for others.

 

I'm sure the professors didn't mind being flown across the country and being put-up in 5-star hotels.

Congratulations Dr. Shaq, even though you were a waste with the Celtics last year.

 

Ouch. Some local feelings, there! (Having lived in your neck of the woods during the "Bucky Dent" disaster, I can relate. Been a Sox and Celts fan ever since.)

 

Boston has a long and distinguished history of signing former sports stars who were past their prime....Shaq, Artis Gilmore, Xavier McDaniel, Mike Torrez, Jose Pena, Mark Lemke, John Olerud, Orlando Cepeda, Luis Aparicio, Ramiro Mendoza, Junior Seau (RIP), Fred Smerlas, Marc Wilson, Steve DeOssie, Dave Meggett, Bobby Schmautz, Brad Park, Mats Naslund, Jacques Plante......and those were just the ones I thought of off the top of my head.

 

Great news, but I'm not surprised. He's always doing something to better himself and he's obviously a driven person. If a higher degree existed, he'd probably be going after that, too.

 

+1 Congrats !!

 

From Wikipedia: Shaquille O'Neal - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Education
O'Neal left LSU for the NBA after three years. However, he promised his mother he would eventually return to his studies and complete his bachelor's degree. He fulfilled that promise in 2000, earning his bachelor of arts in general studies.[137] Coach Phil Jackson let O'Neal miss a home game so he could attend graduation. At the ceremony, he told the crowd "now I can go and get a real job". Subsequently, O'Neal earned an MBA online through the University of Phoenix in 2005. In reference to his completion of his MBA degree, he stated: "It's just something to have on my resume for when I go back into reality. Someday I might have to put down a basketball and have a regular 9-to-5 like everybody else."[138]
In 2010 he undertook a Ed.D. in Human Resource Development at Barry University.[139][140] His dissertation topic was "The Duality of Humor and Aggression in Leadership Styles".[139][141]

PS, if you go to the wikipedia web site, you will see Shaq and company with Dubya. President Bush is not a short man, but that bunch made him look like a midget!

 

Bill Buckner....(who I think should have merited serious consideration for the HOF, BTW.)

 

This time he went to a "Real" school after his MBA from UOP.
Great inspiration to many people.

 

Touche. I think that my PTSD from the 1986 World Series blocked him from my mind.

I agree that he got a raw deal after the 1986 WS, and I actually don't blame him, I blame John McNamara for leaving him in for the late innings instead of going for Dave Stapleton as a defensive replacement when Buckner was clearly hobbled. McNamara's devotion to veterans and wanting them to be on the field for the big win likely cost Boston the 1986 WS.

Now, if you need me, I'll be in the corner in the fetal position, sucking my thumb and rocking back & forth.

 

Man, I lived and died during the playoffs with the Angels and during the Series. Yes, I blame Johnny Mac, too. I like the guy, but he wasn't paying attention. I feel the real culprit was Calvin Schiraldi, who couldn't get anyone out (an ERA of 13.50 for the Series). Oh, and people forget the Sox lost Game 6 that night, not the Series. They lost Game 7, too.

Billy Buck for HOF would be just fine for me.

 

Somehow, I don't think he will ever have to do a "regular 9 to 5" ever again. I don't think finding a tenure-track position will ever be a problem for him either.

 

Once they lost Game 6, I just knew that they were done. There was too much history (1946, 1967, 1975) for me to believe otherwise. I had a glimmer of hope when McNamara decided to start Bruce Hurst instead of cokehead Oil Can Boyd for Game 7, but Hurst just couldn't do it on 3 days rest.

No problem with me, either.....useless trivia; a lot of people forget that Buckner was the outfielder who watched Hank Aaron's 716th HR clear the fence. He even climbed the fence in a vain attempt to catch it, IIRC.