By: Jake Spear

BLOOMINGTON, IN– In a recent move to honor exceptional musical achievement, the Jacobs School of Music has decided to grant honorary degrees to artists who have brought something truly unique to the world of music. The first artist to receive one such degree has just been announced as musical all-star Steve Harwell, the iconic lead singer of Smash Mouth.

The degree marks a major achievement for Harwell who, having never received a post-secondary education because he believed that in college “your brain gets smart but your head gets dumb,” finds this degree symbolic of his larger success in the music industry. Harwell also mentioned he was beginning to worry no one would ever recognize him for his accomplishments, noting, “the years start coming and they don’t stop coming.”

Head of the Jacobs School’s Voice department, Dawn Kee, has made it very clear that the artist’s unique style and willingness to depart from musical norms is what led to his being awarded the degree, telling reporters that “only shooting stars break the mold.”

The ceremony where Harwell will receive his degree is set to take place on April 22nd, the 16th anniversary of Shrek’s release. Harwell told reporters he is still in disbelief over the whole event, and that he will be personally attending the ceremony, because “You’ll never know if you don’t go”.