By Ronnie Nathanielsz

Former heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali has been conferred an honorary doctorate degree by Muhlenberg College in Allentown , Pennsylvania for his humanitarian contributions.

Marion Callahan of The Morning Call in Pennsylvania reported that most of the 532 graduates “stood in awe” as the 67 year old Ali, his body wracked by Parkinson’s disease, took the stage with his wife Lonnie by his side.

College president Peyton Helm spoke about Ali's historic moments in and out of the boxing ring.

Helm said ''We celebrate you today as a great champion, leader, and humanitarian. Your life and your career have taken you beyond the world of boxing. In a time of turmoil and unrest in our nation, you became a symbol of black pride.''

Callahan said Helm noted that Ali used his title to spread goodwill across the globe, taking on missions to fight hunger and promote education in Afghanistan , North Korea , Cuba , Iraq , and South America . He volunteered in soup kitchens and hospitals and became involved in organizations such as The Cradle, a Chicago adoption agency; the Special Olympics' Best Buddies; and the Herbert E. Birch Services, a group that runs a school for handicapped children.

''Whether promoting peace and understanding, combating bigotry and prejudice, feeding the hungry, or reaching out to people in need, you have inspired millions worldwide -- you truly are 'The Greatest.' It is for your fighting spirit in making the world a better place for all people that we honor you today.''

Graduating student Justin Fitch recalled gathering in the living room with his father, watching a replay of one of the biggest upsets in boxing history, when Muhammad Ali knocked out George Foreman in 1974.

Fitch told The Morning Call “I've always been a fan, and I was just shocked to see him in person.''

24 year old Josh Zosky who stood behind the crowds of robed graduates said he didn't understand why the college decided to award a degree to a famous boxer -- until he heard Helm list a few of Ali's humanitarian achievements.

Zosky who lived nearby and went over to watch the ceremony said ''I knew him from boxing and I was curious to what the college could possibly give him a degree in, but now after hearing about what he's done for others, it seems fitting.''

Filipino boxing  hero Manny Pacquiao was also conferred a honorary degree in humanities earlier this year by Southwestern University in Cebu not merely for his incredible achievements in the ring but also for his charitable undertakings and his concern for the poor including the establishment of free medicalclinics, scholarship programs for deserving poor students in Sarangani and his assistance to typhoon victims among others.