May 4, 2001

Putting the Honor Back in Honorary Degrees

By LLOYD H. ELLIOTT

Almost 40 years ago, during my first weeks as president of the University of Maine, I answered a telephone call from the president of another New England institution. After welcoming me to the region, he proposed that I give a commencement address at his summer exercises and receive an honorary degree. I could return the favor the following summer, he told me, by recognizing him in like manner.

"After all, summer commencements don't amount to much, anyway," he said.

I've

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