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Governor General Sir Patrick Allen has been awarded an honorary degree from Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan.

Sir Patrick was the undergraduate commencement speaker for the graduating class of 2010 on Sunday.

During his recent stay at his alma mater, Sir Patrick and Lady Allen were special guests at a groundbreaking ceremony for Buller Hall, part of the new Undergraduate Learning Center at Andrews University. They also attended a dedication-to-ministry-and-service programme for seminary graduates, as well as paid a bereavement visit to the widow of Denroy Black, a Jamaican student who was studying at Andrews University at the time of his sudden death last month.

In his commencement address, Sir Patrick advised graduates that they "need to decide whether you are part of the group that acts, or are merely those who are actors. Make the decision to go further. Go and change the world".

On receiving the honorary degree, Sir Patrick said: "Receiving this distinguished recognition is certainly one of the high points of my life. My family and I ... we can go nowhere without wearing the banner of Andrews University."

Founded in 1874, Andrews University is the flagship institution of higher education for the Seventh-day Adventist Church.