Paul McCartney [ tickets ] was awarded an honorary Doctor of Music degree yesterday (5/26) during commencement ceremonies at Yale University in New Haven, CT. The university band reportedly played "Hey Jude" as the 65-year-old Beatle stepped on stage to accept his degree.

During the presentation, Yale President Richard Levin used some of McCartney’s lyrics in a short tribute, saying, "There is no one compares with you," taken from the song "In My Life," according to the Hartford Courant. "Here, there and everywhere," Levin continued with another reference to a Beatles tune, "You have pushed the boundaries of the familiar to create new classics. We admire your musical genius and your generous support of worthy causes." Levin credited McCartney with having awakened a generation--giving a fresh sound to rock, roll, rhythm and blues, according to a university statement.