[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.