Emphasis Preaching Journal

George Buttrick told the story of an experience that happened when he was chaplain at Harvard. It was announced that Harvard would give an honorary degree to the first woman in its history. At that time, the recipients of those degrees were always kept a secret until the day of commencement. On graduation day, the president of Harvard announced that Helen Keller would receive that honor. The crowd went wild. Helen sat there in silence until Annie Sullivan, her teacher, drummed the wonderful message into her hands. Helen was led to the platform and received that great distinction.