Hillary Clinton surprises graduates at Yale

[May 26, 2009]  NEW HAVEN, Conn. (AP) -- Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton has made a surprise return to her law school alma mater. She picked up an honorary degree 36 years after getting her law degree from Yale University. Graduates celebrating commencement Monday erupted in cheers as Clinton was introduced.

In keeping with Yale tradition, the names of honorary degree recipients are a closely held secret.

Clinton says the graduates should "use every creative gene you have" to work for the public good. She also urged them to apply for work in the Obama administration and the State Department.

The 60-year-old Clinton met her husband, former President Bill Clinton, at Yale.

Sculptor Richard Serra and writer John McPhee are among the others receiving honorary degrees from Yale this year.

[Associated Press; By KATIE NELSON]

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