A Rare Presidential Greeting
Dr. Leonard meets former President Bush
I recently met former President George Bush and his wife Barbara at the University of New England’s dedication of the George and Barbara Bush Center in Biddeford, ME. As an alumnus and a member of the Board of Trustees of the university, I have immense personal ties to the school. It is where I met the love of my life! Also, it was through UNE that I met Dr. C. P. Chambers, the surgeon who introduced me to hair restoration surgery and who trained me.
As alumni, major supporters and advocates of the university, my wife Kathy and I have participated in the growth of the institution on many levels – especially in support of the construction of campus buildings. It’s great to help the students to be able to study in state-of-the-art facilities – something we lacked on campus in the early 1980s.
When my connection with the university afforded me the opportunity to meet President and Mrs. Bush, I knew it was something that I did not want to miss. I’d always wanted to meet a president! Also, I have listened to books that Barbara Bush has written, and was thrilled to meet her and hear her voice first hand.
The George and Barbara Bush Center houses a cafe for students, administrative offices, a boardroom, and a gallery that displays items belonging to the Bushes. It is the only building in the world dedicated to both President and Mrs. Bush and serves as an extension of the Bush Presidential Library in Texas. The Center also has an office with a replica of the President’s Oval Office desk, where the he will meet individuals requiring such a venue.
As a trustee of the university, I am very happy and proud to have such a wonderful connection with the former first family.
-Doc