Day 79
April 8, 2009
"His body of work is yet to come. That's why we're not recognizing him with a degree at the beginning of his presidency."
—Sharon Keeler, Arizona State University spokeswoman, on the school's decision not to give President Barack Obama an honorary degree when he speaks at commencement in May
Obama may regret agreeing to speak at any commencement ceremonies, as they're turning out to be more trouble than they're worth. Another school causes a stir by announcing its decision not to give Obama an honorary degree when he speaks (despite having done so for many past keynote speakers — including humorist and newspaper columnist Erma Bombeck and film director Blake Edwards). Stung by criticism, the university later announces it will rename a scholarship program for the President and apologizes for the "confusion" over the honorary degree, but won't say whether it has decided to give him one after all. The school had planned to not give out any honorary degrees this year.
The President — who didn't get back to the White House from his overseas trip until three o'clock in the morning — has a quiet day at the White House.