Martin University to honor Forrest, Charlotte, and Morgan Lucas, among others

INDIANAPOLIS (April 30) -- Three members of the Lucas family are going to be honored by Martin University May 8 during its annual commencement ceremony.

Martin, a predominately black institution located in Indianapolis, is conferring an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree to Lucas Oil co-founder Forrest Lucas and a Doctor of Humane Letters to Top Fuel driver Morgan Lucas, who pilots the 8,000-horsepower GEICO Powersports/Lucas Oil dragster on the NHRA Full Throttle Series.

It is the first time the school has conferred an honorary degree to a father and son.

Dr. Algeania Freeman, Martin University's president, is also bestowing one of her Presidential Leadership Awards to Lucas Oil co-founder Charlotte Lucas. She will receive the Triumph Award for being an Outstanding Mother.

The commencement ceremony will be held at Martin University in the Gathertorium located at 2171 Avondale Place in Indianapolis. Dr. Concetta Raimondi, Superintendent of the Lawrence Township School District, will serve as the keynote speaker. Reverand Richard Willoughby and Kieana Edmonds will deliver the graduates’ message.

Other individuals receiving honorary doctorates during the ceremony include: Raimondi; Sonya Holt of Agency; Michael Twyman of the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust; Tanya Walton Pratt, federal judge, Southern District of Indiana; Reverand Curtis Vance, St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church; Jeff White, WISH-TV; and Tom Zupancic, Indianapolis Colts vice president of sales and marketing.

Lucas Oil Stadium special projects coordinator Terina Perry will receive a Presidential Leadership Award for her support of educational excellence.

Martin University's 41st Commencement ceremony begins at 2 p.m. on May 8.