CASTLETON, Vt. Vermont State University has conferred an honorary degree of “Doctor of Litter-ature” on Max the cat, a well-loved member of the Castleton campus community, in an endearing gesture. The honorary degree was awarded ahead of the students’ graduation ceremony on Saturday.
Max, a friendly and sociable tabby, has become a staple on campus not for his mousing or napping skills, but for his remarkable friendliness. “Max the Cat has been an affectionate member of the Castleton family for years,” the university shared in a Facebook post.
Residing in a house near the main entrance to the campus, Max began visiting the university grounds several years ago. “He decided that he would go up on campus, and he just started hanging out with the college students, and they love him,” explained his owner, Ashley Dow, on Thursday.
Over the past four years, Max has become a beloved figure among students, who eagerly interact with him, often picking him up for selfies and including him in campus tours for prospective students. “I don’t even know how he knows to go, but he does,” Dow noted. “And then he’ll follow them on their tour.”
Students affectionately refer to Dow as Max’s mom, and alumni often ask about Max when they return to visit. Despite his new honorary title, Max will not attend the graduation ceremony; his degree will be delivered to Dow later.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
