Derek Jeter To Receive Honorary Doctorate For His Charity Work

Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter might be a game-changer on the baseball diamond. And, according to Siena College in Albany, N.Y., he's making noteworthy plays off the field as well.

The liberal arts college is awarding Jeter with an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters degree for his dedication to service work and youth development through his charity Turn 2 Foundation, according to a press release.

“We all know that Derek Jeter is a tremendous athlete, but this is an opportunity for the Siena community to honor and share in his commitment to young men and women,” Vice President for Academic Affairs Linda Richardson, Ph.D., said in the release. “Jeter’s Turn 2 Foundation encourages our youth to remain in school and to stay healthy. Siena will support our joint mission of academic excellence by providing two full grants to academically-qualified students who have participated in one of the many Turn 2 Foundation Signature Programs.”

The degree is being awarded to him at the school's commencement ceremony May 13. Because Jeter will be playing the Marlins that day, his sister Sharlee will be accepting the doctorate on his behalf.

For Jeter, getting honored for his service work another big win.

“It means a lot to me,” Jeter told lohud.com. “It means a lot to my family.”