Mark Zuckerberg, chairman and CEO of Facebook (AP Photo/Esteban Felix, File)
Like tech icon Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg was also a Harvard college dropout before making it big.
Eleven years after dropping out from the world-famous educational institution, the Facebook CEO will finally get his degree.
According to Business Insider, the 32-year-old tech billionaire will receive an honorary degree from Harvard, after being invited to deliver the commencement speech to this year’s graduating class.
In a statement to the Harvard Gazette, Harvard President Drew Faust said the decision to bring in Zuckerberg to speak at the 366th commencement was a “no-brainer.”
“Mark Zuckerberg’s leadership has profoundly altered the nature of social engagement worldwide. “Few inventions in modern times can rival Facebook in its far-reaching impact on how people around the globe interact with one another,” she explained.
“And few individuals can rival Mark Zuckerberg in his drive to change our world through the innovative use of technology, as well as his commitment to advance science, enhance education and expand opportunity through the pursuit of philanthropy,” Faust added.
The Facebook co-founder left Harvard as a sophomore in 2004 and moved to the tech haven of Palo Alto, California, to pursue his then undeveloped social network.
Since then, Facebook has grown exponentially into one of the most valuable, powerful and influential companies in the world.
Following the news, Zuckerberg addressed his speaking gig on his Facebook page, along with Gates—who was also invited to speak at the event 10 years ago.
“They know we actually didn’t graduate?” Zuckerberg jokingly asked the Microsoft founder.
Aside from Gates, Zuckerberg joins the likes of past speakers including Steven Spielberg, Michael Bloomberg and Oprah Winfrey.
His anticipated commencement speech to Harvard graduates will take place on May 25. Khristian Ibarrola /ra
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