Theodor 'Dr Seuss' Geisel — Lake Forest College, 1977

Eugene Hotchkiss, the president of Lake Forest College in 1977, invited Dr. Seuss to receive an honorary degree and give the commencement speech to graduating seniors. But somewhere along the way wires got crossed, and Dr. Seuss didn't realize he was to give the address. A day before the ceremony, Dr. Seuss informed Hotchkiss that he would not be giving a speech.

Hotchkiss, believing he had no other choice, hoped for the best on the day of the graduation. In 2004, he told the story of the moment Dr. Seuss went on stage to receive his honorary degree:

"At that moment, fearing his response, I shook his hand in a whisper and asked him if he would be willing to say a few words. He reached under his academic gown, announcing loudly for all to hear that it was 'a bathrobe,' pulled out a piece of paper from his shirt pocket and turned to the microphone. And the rest, as they say, is history."

Dr. Seuss recited this brief poem for students:

My uncle ordered popovers
from the restaurant's bill of fare.
And, when they were served,
he regarded them
with a penetrating stare.
Then he spoke great Words of Wisdom
as he sat there on that chair:
"To eat these things,"
said my uncle,
"you must exercise great care.
You may swallow down what's solid
BUT
you must spit out the air!"
And
as you partake of the world's bill of fare,
that's darned good advice to follow.
Do a lot of spitting out the hot air.
And be careful what you swallow.