A rich old boy sauntered into the offices of the president of a small Texas college and said, “I’d like to donate one million dollars to this here institution of higher education… But there’s a condition. Ah’d like to have an honorary degree.”
The president nodded agreeably, “That’s not a problem. We can certainly arrange that!”
The rich old boy said, “Hold on there…. An honorary degree for my horse!”
“For your horse???”
“Yep, you got that right… She carried me for many years and I owe her a lot. I’d like her to receive a Ph.D., a Doctor of Transportation.”
“But… really, sir! We can’t give a degree to a horse!”
“Then I’m afraid I’ll have to take my million dollars to another institution of higher learnin…” and he turned and headed for the door.
“Well, wait a minute,” said the president, seeing the million slip through his fingers, “Let me consult with the school’s trustees.”
A hurried trustee meeting was brought to order and the president related the deal and the unusual condition. All of the board reacted with shock and disbelief — except the oldest trustee. He appeared almost asleep.
One trustee snorted, “We simply can NOT give a horse an honorary degree — no matter HOW much money is involved.”
The oldest trustee opened his eyes and said, “Take the money and give the old nag the degree.”
The president cocked an eyebrow and asked, “Don’t you think that would be a disgrace to us?”
“Of course not, ” the wise old trustee said. “It would be an honor. It’d be the first time we ever gave a degree to an ENTIRE horse!”