Aretha Franklin Awarded Honorary Doctorate Of Music From Princeton University

Multiple GRAMMY^® Award-winner Aretha Franklin was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Music from Princeton University during its 265^th Commencement ceremony on Tuesday, June 5.

The graduation ceremony for the Class of 2012 was held on Princeton University’s front lawn of the historic Nassau Hall. This is Franklin’s 12^th honorary doctorate degree. Princeton University President Shirley M. Tilghman, presided over the ceremony, with over 10,000 students and guests attending.

“President Shirley Tilghman, the Trustees, Ms. Brooks, the music department, staff and faculty were all most welcoming, elegant and gracious,” said Franklin. “I am so pleased and thankful for the most prestigious gift of this honorary degree from this revered and world famous institution of higher learning, Princeton University. And the grace of God that has brought me thus far and grace will lead me on.”

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Franklin was among six Honorary Degree recipients, who also included Peter Carril, Doctor of Humanities; Eduardo Padrón, Doctor of Laws; Joan Wallach Scott, Doctor of Humane Letters; Joseph Taylor Jr., Doctor of Science; Karen Uhlenbeck, Doctor of Science.

Franklin has received several honorary degrees, including an Honorary Doctorate of Music Degree, Yale University, 2010; an Honorary Doctorate of Music Degree, Berklee College of Music, 2006; an Honorary Doctorate of Music Degree, The New England Conservatory of Music, 1995; an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters, Wayne State University, 1990; an Honorary Doctorate of Music Degree, The University of Michigan, 1987; and an Honorary Doctorate of Law Degree, The Bethune-Cookman College, 1975.

Take a look at our wonderful gallery of Aretha Franklin!

Aretha Franklin Through The Years