Among the students earning degrees from the University of Pittsburgh this spring, there was… Among the students earning degrees from the University of Pittsburgh this spring, there was one famous honoree: “Dr. Dan.”

Dr. Dan, better known as former Miami Dolphin and Pitt quarterback Dan Marino, was the guest speaker at Pitt’s commencement ceremony, where 4,317 undergraduate, master’s and doctoral students officially became alumni.

Graduating senior Sheila Isong delivered the student response.

Chancellor Mark A. Nordenberg awarded Pitt alumnus Marino an honorary doctoral degree in broadcast journalism, making him the first graduate in Pitt’s Class of 2008. Marino said that he will make sure his colleagues at CBS’s “The NFL Today” will know of his accomplishment.

“Now they have to refer to me as Dr. Dan,” said Marino.

Nordenberg introduced Marino to the crowd in the Petersen Events Center as an outstanding football player, Panther and person.

“He has excelled in his current role, not because he threw 420 touchdown passes, but because he is intelligent, articulate and analytical, the qualities of a well-educated person,” said Nordenberg.

Marino, a member of both the Pro Football and NCAA halls of fame, graduated from Pitt’s School of Arts and Sciences in 1983. He reflected on his Oakland upbringing and the years he spent at Pitt.

For him, living in Pittsburgh meant more than eating Primanti Brothers sandwiches and watching Pitt football. His parents taught him about hard work and making lasting personal connections.

He told the approximately 2,000 graduates in attendance that in the age of the Internet and text messaging, it is important not to hide behind computers. Marino encouraged the crowd to look people in the eyes when shaking hands and to learn about people’s families.

Marino said that when the graduates enter “the real world,” it is worth it for them to search for their passions.

“I believe the most important thing is that when you enter the real world, you find what you love to do,” said Marino. “I encourage all of you to find what you love, so go after your passion, not simply a paycheck. It doesn’t have to be all about the money. But I guarantee you this, if you love your life’s work, your financial rewards will take care of themselves.”

In 1992, when Marino’s son, Mike, was diagnosed with autism, Marino and his wife started the Dan Marino Foundation to help children with neurodevelopment disabilities. He urged graduates to volunteer their time and expertise similarly.

After Marino’s address came the presentation of doctoral degrees. Pitt had 801 applications for doctoral degrees from its 15 graduate and professional schools. At the time of the ceremony, many of the law, medicine and dental medicine students had not finished their programs and did not attend the ceremony.

Next, Isong spoke about thanking the people who have helped the graduates along the way. Isong, a member of the Student Government Board and president of the Black Action Society for 2007-08, expressed immense pride in Pitt’s student-run organizations as well as in the graduating class as a whole.

“We are the smartest class that Pitt has ever graduated, and we should be commended and congratulated,” said Isong.

With all the talent Pitt’s class of 2008 possesses, Isong said that the students have an obligation to remember their alma mater and to give back to Pitt. She said that with a world-class education, the students should settle for nothing but the best. In addition, Isong believes that Pitt’s class of 2008 has a great responsibility.

“I charge you with the task of making the world a better place. This is an arduous task,” said Isong. “Make money and use your money for good. Excel in whatever field your heart desires.”