Bill Murray gets honorary Regis degree

Photo courtesy of Regis University

Comedian and actor Bill Murray spent one year at Regis University in Denver, leaving in his freshman year after being busted for marijuana possession. From there he delved into stand-up comedy and became a legend with his run on Saturday Night Live and in films such as "Caddyshack," "Groundhog Day," "Ghostbusters" and "Rushmore."

Last Friday, he returned as a member of the class of 1972 (what would've been his graduation year) at Regis' annual alumni weekend. Father Michael Sheeran, Regis president, presented Murray with an honorary degree as a doctor of humanities. Murray said he had fond memories of his short time at Regis, musing that "people who didn’t go to Regis didn’t turn out as well.”

If Murray's appearance surprises you, it is noteworthy to add that he grew up in a Catholic family and has a sister who is a nun, Dominican Sister Nancy Murray. Sister Nancy is also involved in the arts, performing a popular one-woman play on the life of St. Catherine of Siena.