Former First Lady Barbara Bush to receive honorary degree at WFU commencement

Approximately 887 undergraduate students and 657 graduate and professional school students will march at the 9 a.m. outdoor ceremony on Wake Forest’s University Plaza.

Barbara Bush is the third member of the Bush family to appear at Wake Forest. Both her husband, former President George Bush, and her son, President George W. Bush, debated presidential opponents in Wait Chapel. She will receive an honorary doctorate of humanities during the ceremony.

Wake Forest will also award two other honorary degrees during commencement. Martin Isepp, a distinguished pianist, vocal coach and conductor, will receive an honorary doctorate of fine arts. William P. Hytche, who revitalized the historically black University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) during his presidency from 1976- 1997, will receive an honorary doctorate of laws.

For more information, visit the News Service Web site, www.wfu.edu/wfunews.

Note to media: Video and audio clips of the commencement address will be available on the afternoon of May 21. Please contact the News Service with requests.