Writer, director and producer Kevin Smith received an honorary degree at the School of the Arts convocation. The man behind famed films "Clerks," "Chasing Amy" and "Jersey Girl" told this year's graduates to be proud of their roots. "Never be ashamed of the fact that you came from or went to school in New Jersey. New Jersey is the cradle of civilization. Be proud."

He also offered the class some words of advice: "There's a time to honor tradition and a time to break from it. It's a negotiation. How you choose to break from conformity--that is your mark. Know when to seize your moment."

"If someone asks me, 'What do you remember most about 2004?' I'll say, 'That was the year they finally cancelled 'Friends' and that was the year MSU honored me and made me an alum."