Lang Lang (left) was escorted by Chandrika Tandon (right), trustee of NYU and chairwoman of Tandon Capital Associates in the procession, to receive his honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree at the NYU’s 2015 Commencement at Yankee Stadium on May 20. XIAO LIXIN / CHINA DAILY

NYU president John Sexton bestowed an honorary degree of Doctor of Fine arts on Lang Lang at 2015 NYU's 183rd Commencement in Yankee Stadium on Wednesday, May 20.

"It's a great honor to be recognized by an academic authority like NYU," Lang Lang said to China Daily.

Praised Lang as the "hottest artist on the classical music planet", Sexton said that Lang inspired millions and has ignited global interest in classical music.

The International Music Foundation founded by Lang "prepares the next generation of classical music lovers and performers though partnerships with public schools, free music camps, and mentorship of young pianists, " said Sexton.

Sexton also gave high praise to Lang Lang's devotion to charity, who has held benefit concerts for earthquake relief in China and Haiti, and has been designated as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and a UN Messenger of Peace focusing on global education.

Talking about the connection with NYU, Lang said that it just came naturally because of a common goal shared with one of his acquaintances from NYU to promote classic music education