Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates finally has his Harvard degree, 30 years after he dropped out of the prestigious university to enter the software business and become the world's richest man.
Gates was originally slated to graduate in 1977, but didn't, until this Friday, when Harvard University Provost Steven Hyman bestowed an honorary law degree on him.
Gates, who runs a $60 billion philanthropic endowment now, urged his fellow graduates to use their education to fight poverty around the world. He dropped out of Harvard and co-founded Microsoft Corp. to become the world's richest person.
"We recognize the most illustrious member of the Harvard College class of 1977 never to have graduated from Harvard," Harvard University Provost Steven Hyman was quoted by news agency Reuters as saying.
Meanwhile, Gates thanked his alma mater for honouring his success.
"I've been waiting for more than 30 years to say this, 'Dad, I always told you I'd come back and get my degree'," Gates, told the crowd.
"I'll be changing my job next year, and it will be nice to finally have a college degree on my resume," he added.
The MS man was referring to his plan to shift full-time into philanthropy.
Last year, Gates said he would step down from his day-to-day management role at Microsoft in 2008 to focus on philanthropic work.
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, founded in 2000, supports projects to improve health, reduce poverty and increase public access to technology.
Gates' commitment to charity caught the attention of famed investor Warren Buffett, the world's second richest man.
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