Musician Pharrell Williams delivered the 185th Commencement address at New York University on Wednesday at Yankee Stadium.
The multiple Grammy Award winner urged graduates to inspire others with their involvement.
“Let your actions serve as an endorsement for education and watch the demand rise,” said Williams.
The crowd erupted when Williams declared: “I know that somebody out there right now in this class just might occupy the White House one day. And let me be clear, not red and not blue, but maybe purple like NYU. Thank you.”
Congresswoman Gabby Giffords and her husband astronaut Mark Kelly and political commentator Melissa Harris-Perry were among those who received honorary degrees during the ceremony.