Students pet Max the Cat in front of Leavenworth Hall at Vermont State University Castleton in October. Photo: Vermont State University via AP
In a purrfectly unique ceremony, Vermont State University’s Castleton campus has awarded an honorary degree of “doctor of litter-ature” to Max, a beloved tabby cat who has become a staple of the university community. The honorary degree celebrates Max’s exceptional friendliness and unwavering presence on campus, ahead of the student graduation on Saturday.
Max, who resides in a house with his human family just off the main entrance to the university, has charmed students and staff alike with his daily visits. His owner, Ashley Dow, shared that Max has been socializing on campus for about four years, quickly becoming a furry friend to many.
“Max the Cat has been an affectionate member of the Castleton family for years,” the university announced in a Facebook post. The charismatic feline is known for his sociable nature, often being seen accompanying prospective student tours and posing for selfies with enthusiastic students.
Dow marvels at Max’s intuition, noting, “I don’t even know how he knows to go, but he does. And then he’ll follow them on their tour.” Max’s popularity has soared to such heights that returning graduates frequently inquire about his well-being, affectionately referring to Dow as “Max’s mum.”
The honorary degree highlights Max’s significant impact on the campus community, not through academic achievements or pest control prowess, but through his unparalleled ability to spread joy and foster connections among students. As the graduates prepare to receive their diplomas, Max stands as a testament to the unique ways in which campus life can be enriched, one paw at a time.
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