    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1991, Book I)]
    [May 10, 1991]
    [Page 496]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks Upon Receiving an Honorary Degree From Princeton University in
    Princeton, New Jersey
    May 10, 1991

        Thank you all very much. This is indeed for me an honor. And the
    last time, save one, that I was on this campus, I was not treated quite
    so hospitably. [Laughter] It was out at the baseball diamond, I think in
    1948. Crowded along the first baseline--it was very hostile, the way it
    worked in Princeton--were a bunch of hyperventilating, celebrating
    alumni.
        And I remember standing there at first base, and a gigantic tiger--I
    think his name was Neil Zundel--came to the plate. He lofted an easy fly
    towards Yale's first baseman, me. And as I reached for the ball, the guy
    just sheer bowled me over--[laughter]--to the cheers of the Princeton
    alumni. [Laughter]
        I was hurt, my pride was hurt. But P.S., Yale won the ball game.
    [Laughter]
        So, how lovely today it is, though. And I view this degree as a very
    high honor from an institution for which I have unlimited respect. It is
    a great privilege for Barbara and me to be up with you today. I hear the
    rites of spring over my shoulder out there, but it wouldn't be normal in
    my job if we didn't hear those rites chanting out there. But I hope I
    bring peace and tranquility to your campus because you bring great joy
    to our heart, my formerly fibrillating heart.
        Thank you very much.

                        Note: The President spoke at 10:35 a.m. in the
                            faculty room of Nassau Hall. A tape was not
                            available for verification of the content of
                            these remarks.