Celebrities on the graduation circuit

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Celebrities on the graduation circuit

Oprah Winfrey, Jimmy Fallon, Smokey Robinson and Dolly Parton are some of the celebrities who have taken part in graduation ceremonies across the country.

YOU MAKE ME FEEL LIKE DANCING: Oprah Winfrey does the Cabbage Patch after receiving an honorary degree from Duke president Richard Brodhead. During the commencement address, the talk show queen told the graduating class to lend a hand. What she also should have mentioned was that you should never, ever promise anyone a free chicken dinner.

Not to be outdone by Oprah, Ellen DeGeneres spoke to Tulane University's graduating class at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans. DeGeneres was presented with the President's Medal, awarded to individuals who have distinguished themselves and contributed to the well-being of Tulane University or the city of New Orleans.

Tulane also gave New Orleans native Harry Connick Jr. an honorary degree for his work in the city following Hurricane Katrina.

Stephen Colbert, host of "The Colbert Report," delivers the commencement address to students graduating from the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston. Colbert's father, James, was the first vice president for academic affairs at MUSC and served until 1974.

"Late Night" host Jimmy Fallon receives his bachelor's degree in communications from the College of Saint Rose in Saratoga Springs, N.Y.

... and director Steven Spielberg honorary degrees.

Dolly Parton receives an honorary doctorate of humane and musical letters from the Univerity of Tennessee. Helping her with her robe is acting President Jan Simek (left) and Chancellor Jimmy Cheek.

Smokey Robinson gave the keynote address to graduates at the Berklee College of Music commencement in Boston. He was awarded an honorary doctorate, along with ...

... Linda Ronstadt.

Vice President Joe Biden gave the commencement address at Syracuse University.

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton yells congratulations to recent graduates while leaving the stage with NYU President John Sexton after commencement ceremony at Yankee Stadium. Clinton received an honorary degree and spoke to the graduating class.

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger greets a faculty member as he arrives to give the commencement address and receive a Doctor of Humane Letters honorary degree at the University of Southern California.

Former world boxing champion Muhammad Ali is congratulated by Muhlenberg College president Peyton Helm after being awarded a doctor of humane letters honorary degree at Muhlenberg College in Allentown, Pa.

A RED RIBBON WOULD HAVE BEEN THE PERFECT ACCESSORY: Designer Kenneth Cole is hooded as he receives a Doctor of Public Service honorary degree during Northeastern University's commencement ceremony in Boston. Cole was one of the first fashion-industry leaders to publicly commit to the fight against AIDS.

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YOU MAKE ME FEEL LIKE DANCING: Oprah Winfrey does the Cabbage Patch after receiving an honorary degree from Duke president Richard Brodhead. During the commencement address, the talk show queen told the graduating class to lend a hand. What she also should have mentioned was that you should never, ever promise anyone a free chicken dinner.

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