Obama to ASU Grads: What Snub? They Were Right

By John Johnson, Newser Staff

Posted May 13, 2009 10:38 PM CDT

(Newser) – President Obama has no problem with the so-called snub from Arizona State University. In fact, he embraced it tonight in a speech to graduates and used it to encourage them, reports the Arizona Republic. "I come here not to dispute the suggestion that I haven't yet achieved enough in my life," he said. "I come to embrace it, to heartily concur, to affirm that one's title, even a title like 'president,' says very little about how well one's life has been led."

Obama told the graduates that starting their careers in tough times is not only a challenge but a privilege. “Because it is moments like these that force us to try harder, to dig deeper, to discover gifts we never knew we had. To find the greatness that lies within each of us. So don't ever shy away from that endeavor. Don't ever stop adding to your body of work.” The last line echoes the university's own explanation about why it chose not to award him the honorary degree.

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President Obama listens as he is introduced before speaking at the Arizona State University. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

President Obama speaks at the Arizona State University commencement. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

President Barack Obama speaks at the Arizona State University commencement. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

President Obama smiles after arriving at the Arizona State University commencement ceremony. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

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