(NORMAN, Okla.) Last year, award winning singer-songwriter, entertainer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist Toby Keith learned that the University of Oklahoma (OU) would be presenting him an Honorary Degree at their 2024 Commencement. He was so honored and happy to be acknowledged by the University that he loved and sent his children to for their education. Walking the stage this Spring was something he was looking forward to, but sadly it was not to be.

At this weekend’s OU Commencement events, his daughter Krystal Keith will proudly stand in to accept the honorary degree and share her recollections of her father’s love and loyalty to the University.

She notes, “he loved OU! His passion started as far back as when he was 12 and 13 years old and worked in the stadium selling cokes just so he could see the games. For as long as I can remember, he took us to every bowl game no matter what his work schedule was. And he was on the sidelines of nearly all the different OU sporting events. He bled Crimson and Cream.”

In addition to Keith, distinguished educator, economist, and activist Barbara Ann Posey Jones, founder of Love’s Travel Stops Tom E. Love, and Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient for his work on the Apollo 11 and Apollo 13 spacecraft missions David Proctor will receive honorary degrees from OU this year. In an earlier announcement, OU President Joseph Harroz Jr. said of all the recipients, “through their exceptional talents, transformative leadership and unwavering commitment to serving others, each of this year’s Honorary Degree recipients has left an indelible mark on the world. Their profound dedication has touched countless lives, and we take great pride in conferring the university’s highest honor upon them.”

The university will confer honorary degrees during 2024 Commencement. Love and Jones will be honored during a ceremony scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday, May 10. Keith and Proctor will be honored at a ceremony set for 9 a.m. Saturday, May 11. Both ceremonies will take place at Lloyd Noble Center.

For more information on OU’s May graduation ceremonies, visit ou.edu/commencement.

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