Former Gov. Jim Edgar to receive honorary degree

Posted on December 27, 2014

(WJBC file photo)

By The Associated Press

CARBONDALE – Former Republican Gov. Jim Edgar will be among several people recognized with honorary degrees from Southern Illinois University at its spring graduation ceremonies.

The (Carbondale) Southern Illinoisan reports that Edgar will receive an honorary Doctor of Humane Arts degree.

SIU President Randy Dunn says Edgar's "leadership, discipline, vision and commitment" to making difficult choices is a model "of what we look for in today's leaders."

Dixie Fortis will be honored posthumously for her accomplishments in the advertising industry. The late SIU graduate will receive an honorary doctorate in commerce.

Another SIU grad, William Norwood, will receive an honorary aviation science doctorate.

Norwood flew a B-52 for the U.S. Air Force, became United Airlines' first black pilot and served on SIU's Board of Trustees. He was SIU's first black quarterback.

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