Yusuf Islam was awarded an honorary degree for his humanitarian work from England's Exeter University on Monday. The artist formerly known as Cat Stevens was praised for his charity work and efforts to improve understanding between Islam and western cultures, and received the honorary doctor of law degree at the university's Devon campus.

Other stars to be awarded honorary degrees by the university later this week include Queen guitarist Brian May and British comedienne Jennifer Saunders.

Floella Benjamin, the Chancellor of Exeter University, says, "This is the most exciting time of year on university campuses around the country, and I'm delighted to be welcoming such well-known faces to Exeter to celebrate alongside our students and their families. Our 21 honorary graduates are leaders in their fields, and people who the University is proud to have an association with."

(This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)