Texas A&M to Give Game of Thrones Author an Honorary Degree

George R.R. Martin is set to receive an honorary degree from Texas A&M University.

Martin, the author of the popular fantasy series A Song of Ice and Fire that’s the basis for HBO’s Game of Thrones, has a long history with the university, according to the Houston Chronicle. He regularly gifts the school’s Cushing Memorial Library and Archives with writings and prop weapons — even giving A&M his first-edition copy of The Hobbit.

Martin expressed his satisfaction Wednesday, in a post on his LiveJournal blog.

“I am very pleased. Thanks to all my friends at A&M,” Martin said. Also adding that he would not be going to pick up the degree until he finishes The Winds of Winter, the long-awaited sixth book in his Game of Thrones series.

Game of Thrones, the TV series, is set to premiere its sixth season on April 16.