Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty was praised for her "dignity and poise" as she received an honorary degree at Leeds Metropolitan University.
The actress collected her doctorate of arts as graduation ceremonies for more than 4,000 students began on Wednesday.
The university was a partner of the International Indian Film Academy Awards, held in Yorkshire last month.
Miss Shetty was praised for the way she handled the Celebrity Big Brother racism row earlier this year.
Addressing the graduands, Vice Chancellor Professor Simon Lee said: "There are some parallels between the challenges faced in any house and student life.
"Someone at some time will behave badly, not necessarily to you but to others or the wider community, to someone or some group who cannot defend themselves.
"In Shilpa Shetty you are graduating with someone who rose to that challenge with great dignity and poise, making a difference."
Mother's pride
Miss Shetty said: "I am so overwhelmed, I am choked with emotions and I can't stop smiling.
"I have won some awards, at the cost of sounding immodest, I have never seen my mother beam so much as she is today.
"I can see the pride in her eyes because she's always wanted me to graduate."
She ended her speech with an appeal to her fellow graduands: "If you see anyone suffering indignity stand up for them."
The university previously awarded film star Amitabh Bachchan with an honorary degree.
It said its "pioneering partnership" with the International Indian Film Academy Awards aimed to strengthen educational, business, arts and sporting links with India.
^ Back to top | BBC Sport Home | BBC Homepage | Contact us | Help | ©
~RS~q~RS~~RS~z~RS~36~RS~)