The Piano Man singer donned traditional cap and gown for the commencement ceremony at Kenneth P. LaValle Stadium and told graduates to make sure they searched out careers that allowed them to do what they love.

Joel said, "I want to thank the faculty and the graduating class and our government officials and the parents attending here honouring me with this. I'm one of the lucky ones because I knew at a very young age what I was going to do. I knew I was gonna be a musician when I was really young and I never got distracted from doing that.

"I'm gonna keep this short because it's warm out here and I don't want anybody getting melanoma! I hope by now you have found what it is that you love. And I hope that you've learned the skills you'll need to make what you love your life's work.

"I wish for you the commitment to make what you love your life's work. And I wish for you the stamina to continue that work when you encounter resistance and tough times. And I believe this with all my heart because if you're not doing what you love you're just wasting your time. Congratulations and good luck."