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WEST VALLEY CITY — Morgan Spurlock, director and star of the documentary "Super Size Me," told 4,030 Salt Lake Community College graduates and their supporters Thursday evening to "follow your passions."
The commencement keynote speaker said that at one point in his career he was so broke he had racked up $250,000 in credit card debt and was sleeping in a hammock in his office.
"Anything worth working for is worth failing for," he told the school's largest ever graduating class.
Spurlock's message to the graduates, gathered in the Maverik Center for the ceremony, was colored with stories from his school days.
"I encourage each and every one of you for the rest of your life, to color outside of the lines," he said in reference to being chastised for his wayward childhood coloring habits. "Be true to you."
He encouraged graduates to write every day, read books often, and learn mastery over words.
"Words can affect change in an instant and inspire people to do the impossible," he said.
Spurlock said that although diplomas and accomplishments are important, "At the end of the day, none of those things matter without the people you love, without a home."
He also offered some practical advice.
"Now that you're out of college, get a calculator."
Earlier in the evening, student asociation president Liu Vakapuna gave a speech and sang "I Believe I Can Fly" to an enthusiastic audience.
Honorary doctorates were awarded to recording artist Paul Cardall and former Wells Fargo executive Kelly Matthews.
The 2011 class included students from 57 countries, 14 states and 15 counties. The youngest graduate was 15 and and the oldest was 64.
Email:averzello@ksl.com
