People

By Guy D. Garcia

It may have been the most soulful commencement ceremony in Ivy League history. Moments after accepting an honorary doctor of music degree from the trustees of Brown University last week, Stevie Wonder, 37, stepped down from the dais and walked to a nearby terrace where an electric piano had been discreetly set up. Wonder noted that this was a special occasion for everyone and invited the audience of 2,000 graduates and 8,000 parents and guests to relax and take in the moment. Said he: "In the spirit of those who never had the opportunity to receive a degree, but who have made it so possible for us to enjoy and learn in this place, on this holiday I salute you." Then, as toes tapped under the gently swaying elms on the green, the blind musician sang My Love and I Just Called to Say I Love You.

With reporting by David E. Thigpen/New York, with other bureaus