The University of the Arts Celebrates the Life and Legacy of the Late Stan Lee

The University of the Arts celebrates the life and legacy of the late Stan Lee, the force behind the immense Marvel Universe—comics, films, TV shows and much more—and a 2016 recipient of an Honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree from UArts.  

Stan Lee passed away on Monday, Nov. 12 at the age of 95. He was known to millions as the man who helped created superheroes including Spider-Man, Black Panther, The Avengers, The X-Men, Iron Man, Thor, The Incredible Hulk, The Fantastic Four and hundreds of others.

“Stan was a force in the entertainment industry for decades, and he loved what he did,” says UArts President and CEO David Yager, who bestowed the honorary degree upon Lee.

“His advice to our students was simple, and reflected Stan’s own history: to choose a career that they truly enjoy, rather than one that may pay better but not offer the same level of satisfaction.”

Surprisingly, the honorary doctorate from UArts was the only such degree Lee received during his lifetime.

Lee injected human emotions and issues into his superheroes, as well as his trademark wit, creating nuanced storylines in a previously formulaic medium. We are grateful for his innovative, exciting and voluminous work, and that he became a part of the University of the Arts community.