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Elder president Bush, Aretha Franklin receive honorary degrees at Harvard

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Harvard University President Drew Faust, left, speaks with former President George H. W. Bush, right, before Harvard commencement ceremonies, Thursday, May 29, 2014, in Cambridge, Mass. Bush was presented with with an honorary doctor of laws degree during the ceremonies. Chilean author Isabel Allende, top left, and singer Aretha Franklin, behind center left, look on. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – A former president and the Queen of Soul have received honorary degrees from Harvard University.

George H.W. Bush, Aretha Franklin and six others were honoured at Thursday’s commencement.

Harvard president Drew Faust poked fun at the 89-year-old Bush’s Yale University credentials, saying his “cap was blue, his house was white and now his robe is crimson,” but added that Bush “piloted our nation though changeful skies.”

Bush smiled and gestured to the crowd as he received the doctor of laws degree, but did not stand.

The 72-year-old Franklin accompanied herself on piano to perform the National Anthem. She later received an honorary doctor of arts degree.

Former New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg also received an honorary degree.

Harvard awarded more than 7,300 degrees and certificates at its 363rd commencement.

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