Actress Bassett, astrophysicist Tyson among those honored at Yale graduation

May 21, 2018 12:00 am • Last Updated: May 21, 2018 11:22 pm

Angela Bassett, center, lines up with other honorary degree recipients in front of Sterling Memorial Library at Yale University in New Haven, Conn., for commencement on May 21, 2018 where she received an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree. (Arnold Gold/New Haven Register via AP)

NEW HAVEN (AP) — Renowned astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson and actress Angela Bassett were among those honored during Yale University's 317th commencement.

The school conferred more than 3,700 degrees Monday during ceremonies held on the school's Old Campus.

Pulitzer Prize-winning author Marilynne Robinson, poet Elizabeth Alexander, biologist Frans de Waal, geneticist Dr. Richard Lifton, filmmaker Laura Mulvey, artificial intelligence pioneer Judea Pearl, jazz musician Willie Ruff, and Rowan Williams, the 104th Archbishop of Canterbury, joined Tyson and Bassett in receiving honorary degrees from the school this year.

Eileen O'Connor, Yale's vice president for communication, says 77 percent graduating seniors had already secured jobs and 15 percent plan to get advanced degrees.

Neil deGrasse Tyson, center, shakes hands with graduates as he processes on the Upper Green in New Haven, Conn., on his way to Old Campus for the Yale University Commencement Monday, May 21, 2018, where he received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree. (Arnold Gold/New Haven Register via AP)

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