Sean "Puff Daddy" Combs was awarded an honorary doctorate degree in humanities from Howard University this weekend after delivering the ceremony's commencement address.
"Ain't no homecoming like a Howard homecoming," the hip-hop mogul told the audience, according to Billboard. "And it feels so good to be home."
After delivering his speech, he was given a standing ovation and "Diddy" chants from the graduating class. Revolt, Combs' music network, live-streamed the ceremony.
Combs attended Howard as a business major for two years before dropping out in 1990. "Howard University didn't just change my life — it entered my soul, my heart, my being and my spirit," he said. "Nobody is going to invite you to the front of the line, you got to push your way to the front of the line."
Combs was among a group of influential people to be recognized at the ceremony, including CNN anchor Wolf Blitzer, surgeon Clive Callender, jazz saxophonist Benny Golson and PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi.
"We are honored to have Mr. Combs serve as our speaker," interim Howard President Wayne Frederick said in a statement last month. "He sat in classrooms where our students sit, walked 'The Yard,' and like many students, his entrepreneurial spirit was sparked at Howard."
Along with his new degree, Combs' achievements include founding Bad Boy Records, releasing music as a rapper, starting Sean John clothing and Revolt TV, and acquiring Ciroc Vodka and DeLeón Tequila.
