Palm Beach Atlantic University is honoring U.S. first lady Melania Trump as the Woman of Distinction of 2020.
The university announced the first lady as its 2020 honoree, marking the first time a first lady has garnered the title at the school. Those who are honored are recognized for “charitable leadership of organizations that support the arts, education, healthcare and other community initiatives,” as a university spokesperson told The Hill.
The university is a private Christian university in Florida, and the recognition has been given for just over a quarter of a century to honor “women who cherish community and family and want to preserve these ideals for others,” the website reads. Trump will be honored at the 29th annual Woman of Distinction luncheon, which will be hosted on Feb. 19.
Co-chairwoman of the luncheon Eileen Burns praised Trump in saying the first lady “is an exquisite human being, a magnificent wife and life partner, a superb mother and an outstanding first lady, who represents us brilliantly in the United States and worldwide,” as The Palm Beach Post reported.
Burns added, “Melania is a perfect example of a Woman of Distinction and we are most proud to honor her.”
Additionally, the other co-chairwoman of the luncheon, Frances Fisher, noted how the event will be “truly memorable.”
“First ladies define the history of our country. We are honored to recognize Mrs. Trump as a Woman of Distinction and the only first lady since Mrs. Kennedy to be a Palm Beach resident. This will be a truly memorable event.”
A spokesperson of the university said, “Palm Beach Atlantic’s emphasis on encouraging the potential of each person aligns with Mrs. Trump’s platform as First Lady,” according to The Hill.
