Oscar winning actor Robert De Niro is going to receive an honorary degree at commencement exercises for Brown University.

The legendary 73 year-old actor will receive a doctor of fine arts degree from the Rhode Island Ivy League school at its ceremonies on May 28th.

Unlike many other universities, Brown doesn’t have a keynote speaker at its commencement.  A member of the graduating class is chosen for that honour.

The university says De Niro was chosen to receive the honour for “the intensity he brings to each performance.”   

He’s been nominated 5 times for an Academy Award, and has won an Oscar twice:  For “The Godfather, Part II” in 1975, and for “Raging Bull” in 1981.