The Eagles were awarded honorary doctor of music degrees at Berklee College of Music's 2012 commencement ceremony, along with Alison Krauss and Ethiopian musician Mulatu Astatke. Berklee president Roger H. Brown presented honorary degrees to the Eagles, Krauss and Astatke in recognition of their achievements in contemporary music, for their enduring contributions to popular culture, and for the influence their careers and music have had over Berklee's international student body. 

After accepting his honorary degree, Don Henley, referring to the student performance at Friday evening's commencement concert, "Sometimes I worry about the future of music and culture. But, after what we all witnessed here last night, I have renewed hope and faith in the future of music. It was truly inspiring."