University Honors Queen Of Norway

Queen Sonja of Norway was honored Thursday for her humanitarian work on behalf of war refugees, disabled children and the Red Cross.

Pacific Lutheran University, in a colorful ceremony attended by hundreds of people, presented the queen an honorary doctorate of humane letters as her husband, King Harald V, looked on.

The royal couple are scheduled to depart Washington this morning, ending a state trade and goodwill tour that began Tuesday with a dinner at the governor’s mansion. The pair also toured Norwegian-American neighborhoods in Seattle and Poulsbo, Wash.

Wednesday, King Harald opened a business conference in Seattle in which Norwegian and state business leaders discussed ways to enhance trade, especially in high technology.

PLU President Loren Anderson presented the queen with the honorary degree, saying she is known throughout the world for fund raising and for her work for disabled children, Vietnamese boat people and other refugees and the Red Cross.

Wearing a cap and gown, Queen Sonja said the honor “forges yet another close tie between this part of the United States and Norway.” PLU was founded by Norwegian immigrants a century ago.

Gov. Mike Lowry has proclaimed this week “Norway Week” in honor of the state’s estimated 335,000 residents of Norwegian descent.

The king and queen and their large entourageThey have been touring the United States since Oct. 10 and will end their three-week visit with a state dinner at the White House on Monday, officials said.