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ASU names scholarship program after Obama
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Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke looks on as President Barack Obama makes remarks in the Roosevelt Room of the White House. April 10, 2009.
The Associated Press
ASU is renaming its largest scholarship program after President Barack Obama, the university announced Saturday, to honor the chief executive when he delivers the school's commencement address in May.
Web site: Obama may get honorary ASU degree
No honorary degree for Obama from ASU
Our View: Obama deserves ASU honorary degree
The move comes after several days of national media attention, and relentless ridicule, aimed at Arizona State University officials who declined to give Obama an honorary doctorate. Earlier this week, Sharon Keeler, a university spokeswoman, told The Associated Press that the president has not yet completed his body of work, making it premature to grant Obama such a degree.
ASU President Michael Crow apologized for the perceived snub. In an attempt to remedy the situation, the university will call one its key financial aid programs the President Barack Obama Scholars, which "will offer thousands of students with the greatest financial need the opportunity to go to college," Crow said in a written statement.
Crow also argued that an honorary degree is not the best way to show respect for Obama, the first African-American to become leader of the free world.
"Naming this scholarship program after President Obama that will affect the lives of thousands of students is an honor befitting, not only the president's exceptional achievements, but also his values as an individual," Crow said.
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