Prince To Receive Honorary Degree From University Of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota awarded an honorary degree to late rock star Prince in a ceremony, which was held at the school’s Tedd Mann Concert Hall on Wednesday.

Because the singer died before he was able to receive the honor, the university presented the degree to the artist’s sister, Tyka Nelson. The university had been preparing and planning to present the degree to the artist himself prior to his untimely death in April 2016.

University President Eric Kaler and Regent Darrin Rosha awarded Prince the Doctorate of Humane Letters, which is the University of Minnesota’s highest honor. The degree is in “recognition of his remarkable talent, enduring influence in music and his role in shaping the city of Minneapolis,” according to the school’s website.

St. Paul Peterson, Cameron Kinghorn and other guest artists paid tribute to the late singer by joining students from the university’s School of Music to perform music associated with his career.

After the ceremony, Omarr Baker, Prince’s brother, said, “This award ranks higher than all of them,” Baker said. “Because Prince didn’t even like award shows. Those are bought and sold. This was earned. It’s a lifetime achievement. He’d think this award is on top.”

By: Maytinee Kramer