WSU gives Gregoire honorary doctorate

PULLMAN, Wash. (AP) — Washington State University gave Gov. Chris Gregoire an honorary doctorate degree at a graduation ceremony in Pullman on Saturday. The governor is being honored for her work as a champion of education. She also spoke at the first of three separate commencement ceremonies on the university’s main campus. WSU President Elson Floyd commended the governor for building one of the best education systems in the world. He says Gregoire understands the connection between academic research and global competitiveness, especially in the areas of aerospace, high tech and biotechnology. The honorary doctorate given to Gregoire is only the 26th ever granted by WSU’s Board of Regents. In addition to today’s ceremonies in Pullman, commencement ceremonies have been or will be held this month at WSU’s regional campuses in Vancouver, Tri-Cities, and Spokane. WSU officials say a total of 6,574 degrees were awarded by the university on all campuses during the 2011-2012 academic year.