WASHINGTON, April 11 (UPI) -- Arizona State University will name a scholarship program for President Obama, who will address graduating seniors next month, school officials said Saturday.
The school's president, Michael M. Crow, sought to defuse the controversy that enveloped the campus over whether the U.S. president would be given an honorary degree during his scheduled commencement speech next month
"I apologize for the confusion surrounding our invitation to President Obama to address ASU students at commencement," Crow said in a statement released on the university's Web site. "The entire ASU community has been electrified with excitement since we learned of his participation in our commencement ceremony. We hope that the recent discussion of honorary degrees will not detract from the honor and thrill that ASU -- and indeed all of Arizona -- is experiencing in anticipation of his visit."
Crow said that in recognition of Obama's commitment to educational access and his career in public service, it would name its most important scholarship program in his honor: the President Barack Obama Scholars.
Crow said that while there had been a lot of attention focused on an honorary degree, "we never felt that was the only -- or even the best -- means of honoring his tremendous service to our country." He said since the scholarships will benefit thousands of students, it would be a fitting "legacy that will endure and inspire others for generations to come."
The Boston Globe had reported than an ASU representative, whose identity was not reported, said Tuesday that the university would not offer Obama a degree since the president had yet to accomplish enough in his lifetime.
