The Purple One is about to become a Golden Gopher.
The University of Minnesota’s Board of Regents will vote Friday to award Prince Rogers Nelson an honorary degree from the College of Liberal Arts.
The U has awarded 270 honorary degrees since 1925.
In a statement, President Eric Kaler said the honor was in the works before Prince died April 21:
“Prior to his untimely passing, the University of Minnesota was in the process of considering a nomination to award an honorary degree to one of the state’s own, Prince. The honorary degree is the highest award conferred by the University of Minnesota, and may be awarded to an individual who has achieved acknowledged eminence in cultural affairs, in public service, or in a field of knowledge and scholarship. As Minnesotans and people around the world celebrate Prince’s life and contributions in each of these categories, the University believes the appropriate action is to continue the process and consider awarding the honorary degree posthumously.”