Awadagin delivered the address for Illinois Wesleyan University's Commencement ceremony on April 29, 2012. He also received an honorary doctor of humane letters degree during the ceremony. Awadagin urged the graduates to "find and be true to what's inside of you, to what inspires you and to what you imagine. Then be completely invested in it and intense in the pursuit of the realization of your dreams." The founder of the Pratt Music Foundation also encouraged the students to "reach out to those who don't have the same opportunities you have." More information, photos, and a video of the commencement ceremony available on the IWU web site.