Jack White has been spending time in court dealing with his family drama lately, but he took a trip out to Mexico City last week to make a surprise appearance at the Fermatta Music Academy’s 20th anniversary celebration. White was named an honorary dean at the event.

“The sense of being a musician is making art, and I do not care whether it is solo or as part of a collective project,” White told the crowd of over 150 students and reporters. “At all times, I seek to express myself, and different circumstances of my life could also become multiple creative and stylistic channels.”

In addition to receiving the title of honorary dean, White was also presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the ceremony, where he was introduced by singer-songwriter Elan. This is the first time the academy has awarded the title to a musician.