American Pie - Eugene Levy Receives Honorary Doctorate

The actor donned a traditional robe to collect his diploma and join the Class of 2012 at an official commencement ceremony in Nova Scotia last week (ends27May12).

Levy later stepped up to the podium to give a heartfelt speech thanking university officials for the honour and urging new graduates to pursue their passions.

He told the audience, "As a university drop-out and major academic disaster, I can't tell you how excited I am today to be standing up here receiving an honorary doctorate from Dalhousie University...

"If there's anything this university drop-out can say to the class of 2012, it is simply this: You only have one life to live and, as you will find out sooner than later, it goes by pretty quickly. Happiness should not be given short shrift. It should not be overlooked in your life's to-do list - it's just too damn important. And one way to make sure you can at least give yourself a shot at getting a little piece of it is to follow your heart...

"You graduates are at the starting line of what will be a most exhilarating journey. Don't forget to take some time to enjoy it."