Arizona State University refused to present President Obama with an honorary degree when he went there to be their May 13th commencement speaker.
"An ASU spokeswoman seemed to fan the flames further when she told the State Press that it would be inappropriate to recognize Obama because "his body of work is yet to come."
I suppose their standards are a lot higher than other colleges and universities I've seen who have bestowed their hallowed honorary degrees to rock stars, newscasters, etc. ASU has given honorary degrees to a couple of their governors and to Sandra Day O'Connor (3 years into her 25 years on the Supreme Court), a Canadian prime minister, etc.
Obama graduated Magna Cum Laude from Harvard Law School, where he also served as President of the Harvard Law Review. Harvard Law School is supposed to be the best Law School in America. I imagine he won't be terribly hurt that ASU refused to give him their honorary degree.
I guess I've always viewed those honorary degrees as a token of appreciation. I'm glad President Obama took the high road and gave his speech with grace. I believe all this controversy merely made ASU look petty (in my eyes, direspectful as well)and enhanced our admiration for President Obama whose speech showed humility and dignity.
...and now there's the big controversy over President Obama's speaking at Notre Dame! I agree with you, Kay, and am not surprised at all that he took the high road.
ReplyDeleteP.S. I LOVE the title of your post!
ReplyDeleteYes, a perfect title--I laughed out loud at "body of work is yet to come", considering all his achievements so far.
ReplyDeleteYou're right, it only makes him look (even) better when he handles it with dignity, then gives a speech which is grammatically correct, pronounced properly, and delivered well. What a joy that is to see, after the past 8 years.
I so agree!
ReplyDeleteHave I mentioned the picture of your granddaughter on your header?She is such a little angel!
I had to chuckle when I saw him on a video clip saying the same thing to the graduates "Your body of work is yet to come. This is just a beginning." Perfect.
ReplyDeleteLOL!
ReplyDeleteHe made a great speech based on all this.
Aloha, Kay
he acted instead of reacted...took the high road.
ReplyDeleteI agree Kay, from what I have seen so far, President Obama has always taken the high road. As for the poor excuses from ASU, it makes them look very silly and I have very little respect for them.
ReplyDeleteYour husband's title was great and echoed my sentiments exactly. President Obama certainly took the high road and ASU looks ridiculous! Its amazing that actors, rock stars and "celebrities" can have an "honary degree" isn't it?
ReplyDeleteP.S. Kay, I have been meaning to compliment you on the absolutely sweet photo of KC. Wonderful subject for your header!
ReplyDeleteHe makes the rest of them look so bad! Great post, Kay! And I love the photo of KC!Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteThat photo in your header is just adorable. You or Art or both of you take great photos.
ReplyDeleteAnd its also a great blog title too. Rather ridiculous to say the least. I am sure he could care less as to whether he got the degree or not. He is not going to need it.
Nice post - check out the Daily Show's take on this issue.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.hulu.com/watch/72866/the-daily-show-with-jon-stewart-arizona-state-snubs-obama#x-4,vclip,2
That bugged me too..
ReplyDelete