(KGTV) - Comedian Will Ferrell, a University of Southern California alum, doled out laugh and laugh during his commencement speech Friday, but made sure to inject a great deal of wisdom into the Class of 2017.
In front of a sea of cardinal and gold caps and gowns, Ferrell delivered the university's 134th commencement address, challenging students to pursue their dreams and reassure those of the journey ahead.
"No matter how cliche this may sound, you will never truly be successful until you learn to give beyond yourself," Ferrell told graduates.
Before sending off the Class of 2017 into the future with high hopes and inspiration, Ferrell had one last gift: A quick rendition of Whitney Houston's "I Will Always Love You," which begins at 24:00 in the video below:
Ferrell, a 1990 USC graduate, also received an honorary diploma.
"I want the university to know that I do not take this prestigious honor lightly. I’ve already instructed my wife and children that, from this point on, they have to address me as Dr. Ferrell," Ferrell joked.
Ferrell made sure to share what he's learned throughout life, especially early on in his career.
"To those of you graduates sitting out there who have a pretty good idea of what you would like to do with your life, congratulations. For most of you who maybe don’t have it all figured out, that’s OK. That’s the same chair I sat in," Ferrell said.
"Enjoy the process of your search without succumbing to the pressure of results. Trust your gut. Keep throwing darts at the dartboard. Don’t listen to the critics and you will figure it out."
"Trust your gut. Keep throwing darts at the dartboard. Don't listen to the critics. You will figure it out." #WillFerrell #USCgrad ? ?? pic.twitter.com/BtErFnqAaO
— USC (@USC) May 12, 2017
"My fear of failure never approached, in magnitude, my wondering 'What if?' What if I never tried at all?" #WillFerrell #USCgrad ? ?? pic.twitter.com/MVFhB5CIOU
— USC (@USC) May 12, 2017
