ATLANTA -- Home Depot co-founder Bernie Marcus delivered the graduation speech during Emory University's commencement Monday.

More than 3,600 students received diplomas during the morning ceremony.

Marcus, an Atlanta philanthropist who founded the Georgia Aquarium, recently donated $3 million to build a new Jewish student center at Emory. His Marcus Institute also works closely with Emory’s medical school to help children with debilitating diseases and conditions.

During the ceremony, the university presented honorary degrees to Regis College President Jane England, author Ernest Gaines and Harvard University biologist E.O. Wilson.