Susan just completed her first commencement speech. It was an incredible event! She spoke to a full house at the United Arena at Texas Tech University. Her next speech will be at 1:30 PM.
After her first speech, the President, Chancellor and Regent presented her with the honorary doctorate degree and the University medal. The entire event is covered by CSPAN. There will be a major announcement and press conference between the two ceremonies.
Chess Daily News from Susan Polgar
So…. what was the big announcement she was going to make?
What did she announce?
Wow! Congratulations! This is so great for chess.
Let me be the second one to congratulate you!
What is great for Chess?!?
What does “commencement speech” mean? I am so happy for chess that you are doing so well.
Well one of the biggest honors in America is to be given the opportunity to be the number one speaker at a University or College Graduation. This is called a Commencement Speech. Sometimes the Honored Speaker is given a University Degree. This is an Honorary Degree and they are about the highest honor anyone can receive in America.
Susan was honored at the very highest level with a Doctorate Degree. The highest degree a University can bestow. I guess we can now refer to Susan as Doctor Susan Polgar. Wow. She also received the University Medal.
Susan you continure to amaze me. You are simply THE BEST. I hope you finally get a good nights sleep. You deserve at least one day of good sleep.
Stay tuned there are going to be more announcements on this.
Susan’s entire speech and more is being broadcast on Television live by CSPAN. Chess is getting the word out to the public. This is great for chess. Susan is the best ambassador of chess in the world.
More and more every day I know I just have to meet Susan one day. Next time you come to my area I am going to come and see you. You will know it is me by the big smile I will have for you.
Details of SPICE:
http://susanpolgar.blogspot.com/search/label/Texas%20Tech
Congratulations!
An honorary degree is an honor, and Susan deserves congratulations.
But it isn’t customary to refer to the recipient of such a degree as “Doctor Whoever”. I notice that Paul Truong refers to Susan in a later post as “Dr Polgar”. That would not be correct; but he was probably just caught up in the moment, or perhaps joking.
While such “prenomial” uses of the title are not customary, it is acceptable to use the title postnomially, provided it is indicated that the degree is honorary. This is usually done with the the letters “h.c.” which stand for the Latin honoris causa.
So, Susan Polgar, Ph.D (h.c): OK. But, Dr. Susan Polgar: not OK.
Way to go , girl !
I was at the commencement ceremony. The University addressed GM Polgar as Dr. Polgar. Therefore, I think Mr. Truong just portrayed exactly what took place.