The eminent guest accepted the honorary degree but declined to have his name on the bridge. (eminent: distinguished, renowned, illustrious) He was a professor emeritus of literature. (emeritus: in this context honorably retired, retired with title retained) He had never taught an engineer. A bridge that bore his name would suggest a distinctly dubious connection between his academic work and its stone arches. (dubious: questionable, doubtful, suspect; academic: scholarly, educational, scholastic)
The university had wanted to exalt a scholar and elevate its own standing. (exalt: elevate, glorify, extol; elevate: raise, lift, uplift) It had invited an entourage of important guests, hoping to imbue the day with gravitas. (entourage: retinue, suite, following; imbue: infuse, permeate, instill; gravitas: dignity, solemnity, seriousness) An honorary title, said the guest, might recognize a person's work. It did not accredit a degree program or make him proficient at calculating a span. (accredit: certify, recognize, approve; proficient: competent, adept, skilled) Nor could his presence impart strength to an inadequate parapet. (impart: convey, communicate, transmit; inadequate: insufficient, deficient, lacking)
A young engineer in work boots was tightening a bolt while they spoke. She had led the crew that saved the bridge after the flood. The guest invited her forward. Asked what name he might recommend, he read the name on her muddy badge. The girl promised to attend the ceremony on one condition. They must finish tightening the bolts before anybody cut a ribbon.