He didn't spend the last four years cramming for tests and writing papers like most of the students who graduated from Siena College on Sunday, but Yankees captain Derek Jeter did receive an honorary degree from the school. YNN's Matt Hunter has more on the honor received by the star shortstop.

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ALBANY, N.Y. -- "The tradition of Siena College will stay with you throughout your life,” Derek Jeter said in a video message to Siena College’s graduating class Sunday. “Good luck and go Saints!"

His duties as a Major League Baseball shortstop may have kept him from attending in person, but Derek Jeter received quite an honor from Siena on Sunday. The Yankee captain was given an honorary doctorate in humane letters during the school's spring commencement ceremony.

"It was pretty cool,” said Rami AlyGad, who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in computer science. “He doesn't get to graduate with anybody but us, so that's pretty cool."

"I don't know, if only he was here today and could have given his speech," remarked Zach Fitzsimmons, who graduated with a duel major in computer science and mathematics.

Jeter's sister, Sharlee, who also runs his Turn 2 Foundation, accepted the award on his behalf.

Since his career began in 1995, Jeter's foundation has awarded more than $16 million in grants, mostly for educational programs.

"There's one doctor in our family, that's our dad, there's not enough room for two but we'll let him have it for about a week," Sharlee Jeter joked.

872 undergraduates and another 53 from the school's master's program heard Jeter's pre-recorded speech and received their degrees. It was the final stop in what many called a rigorous college career.

"It was a lot of all-nighters, you know, getting up a lot earlier than I'm used to, that kind of thing," said Matt Ferritto, a computer science major.

"It's just been a lot of work, especially junior year, but hey, it's worth it, we’re here [graduation] now," Andreanna Diliberto, a political science major.

For many, the future is uncertain due to a still lagging job market. Others have decided to delay jumping into their careers and will further their education at grad school.

Regardless of what the next step is, most graduates say they're going into with eyes wide open.

"I'll probably be famous, but I don't know what for,” Mairead Rogan said. “But no, I don't have anything lined up, I'm just winging it."

"I am worried but a lot of my friends have jobs right now so, I feel like you've got to give it some time and eventually they'll get a job," Diliberto said.