Ryan Seacrest beams as he goes back to school to collect an honorary degree... 24 years after dropping out to start TV career

He is best known for hosting the hit talent show American Idol.

But Ryan Seacrest went back to school on Friday as he picked up an honorary degree from his alma mater - the University of Georgia - 24 years after dropping out.
The 41-year-old beamed as he was presented with the prestigious Doctor of Humane Letters degree by the university's president, Jere Morehead.

Proud: Ryan Seacrest went back to school on Friday as he picked up an honorary degree from his alma mater - the University of Georgia

Wearing a traditional academic gown, the TV host gave the commencement address at the institution's spring ceremony in Athens, Georgia, and was ecstatic on stage.

More than 5,000 students crammed into the Sanford Stadium to receive their degrees and hear from one of the university's most illustrious alumni.
At one the point the proceedings took a bizarre turn when a man dressed as an English bulldog - the institution's mascot - appeared on the stage.

Members of the audience laughed as Seacrest used a selfie stick to take a picture with the quirky animal, named Uga.
The TV personality was born and bred in Georgia and grew up in the Atlanta suburb of Dunwoody before heading to the state's most eminent university.

Seacrest is considered one of TV's hottest bachelors, after splitting from his most serious long term partner Julianne Hough in 2013.
Last month rumours swirled he was in another relationship after he was spotted with a stunning blonde date at Dave Grutman's Miami wedding.
But it was later revealed the lady in question was none other than his friend Ted Waitt's model wife Michele Merkin, 40.

Since then Seacrest has been seen with Shana Wall in March and before that Hilary Cruz, both of whom he briefly dated.

He has also been linked to Sophie Monk, Sara Jean Underwood, Katrina Darrell, Jasmine Waltz, Shayna Terese Taylor and Dominique Piek. It was rumoured he had romanced Teri Hatcher.
His most serious relationship was with Dancing With The Stars vet Julianne Hough, whom he was with from 2010 until 2013.

Ecstatic: The 41-year-old beamed as he was presented with the prestigious Doctor of Humane Letters degree by the university's president, Jere Morehead

Fans believed they would marry but they never got engaged and she is now set to marry Brooks Laich.

Seacrest has said that he wants to wed and start a family but has not met the right woman yet.
In 2014 he told People magazine: 'I look at what my mom and dad have had for 40-plus years – a fantastic relationship and great marriage.
'Someday I'd like that. They're my role models.'



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