An Extra Diploma

After Lerner conferred the degrees on the new graduates, Williamson stepped back to the podium, noting that there was an extra degree. The honorary degree recipient that Lerner had selected for this year was Nobel laureate Manfred Eigen, "the father of biophysics," Williamson said, but unfortunately Eigen could not attend the ceremony so he would receive his degree in absentia. The extra diploma was for Lerner himself. "We can only give back a token of what you have given us," Williamson said to Lerner, who will be stepping down as the institute's president at the end of the year.

"This is a great institution—a great institution, made by great people," said Lerner, who was met with a standing ovation.