Former Beatle and living legend Paul McCartney was awarded an honorary Doctor of Music degree from Yale University, during the graduation ceremony Monday, just weeks from his 66th birthday.

Sir Paul McCartney was among the guests of honor Monday, May 26, at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut. The singer wore a traditional black academic robe at the graduation ceremony and was welcomed with warm applause and cheers from the thousands of students gathered.

McCartney did not speak during the event. He was joined by seven other persons who received honorary degrees at the university’s 307th annual Commencement, including poet John Lawrence Ashbery, astronomer Martin Rees, architect Cesar Pelli and former U.S. Trade Representative Carla Hills.

Granting the honorary degree to the veteran singer, University President Richard Levin told McCartney, “Your songs awakened a generation, giving a fresh sound to rock, roll, rhythm and blues,” and praised his “musical genius” and “generous support of worthy causes,” reports the Yale Daily News.

“Here, there and everywhere, you have pushed the boundaries of the familiar to create new classics,” he continued.

Classic Beatle song “Hey, Jude” was played by a band as the rock legend walked on stage to accept his degree. McCartney smiled throughout the event and basked in the standing ovation he received.

The university said McCartney, who became Sir Paul McCartney when he was knighted in 1996 by the Queen of England, was without equal. More than 3,000 students received their degrees Monday. Many happily took photos of their honored guest.

The day before the former Beatle’s appearance at the university, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair spoke at the university’s Class Day and mentioned the rock icon in his speech.

Advising students to “be prepared to fail as well as succeed,” he gave as example the case of Sir Paul McCartney, who reminded him that “the first record company the Beatles approached rejected them as a band no one would want to listen to.”