December 1, 2008 Yo-Yo Ma performs at Kennedy convocation Play video

(NECN: Cambridge, MA) - Harvard University honored Senator Ted Kennedy Monday afternoon with an honorary degree.

Harvard says the honor recognizes Kennedy's "lifelong commitment to public service and his tireless efforts as a champion for a range of social issues," including health care, civil rights, labor, the environment and education. Others who have been honored with special convocations include Nelson Mandela, Winston Churchill and George Washington.

The event included remarks by Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer, and a performance by cellist Yo-Yo Ma. Yo-Yo Ma was accompanied on the piano by Charlie Albright, Harvard class of 2011.