Honoring Jeb Bush has its limits
Former Gov. Jeb Bush was snubbed for an honorary degree at the University of Florida -- but he can still call himself an honorary alumnus.
The Alumni Assn. Board of Directors passed a resolution to make Bush an honorary alumnus. The move came on the heels of a 38-28 Faculty Senate vote to deny Bush an honorary degree.
The main difference between the awards is that the degree is given by the university, but it is the alumni association that decides who receives honorary alumnus status, a university spokesman said.
“They might be in two different categories, but from the alumni perspective, we highly respect those that have been given or granted the status of honorary alumnus,” said Leonard Spearman of the University of Florida Alumni Assn.
In deciding not to give Bush an honorary degree, some faculty members cited concerns about Bush’s educational record with respect to the university.
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