Saved By The Bell's Mr Belding finally graduates

Does make you question how he was allowed to teach, though.

Hey, hey hey, hey! What's going on here? Looks like Saved By the Bell's Dennis Haskins has graduated from college at age 65, having famously portrayed the principal of Bayside High School, Mr. Richard Belding. 

The actor left his studies at the University of Tennesse at Chattanooga incomplete when his acting career took off; he's only now returned to earn his degree in theatre and graduate from the institution. The university also rewarded the actor with an honorary degree, though he apparently won't be taking it home as it's no longer necessary for the official graduate. 

He recalled in a statement how, "As successful as some have said I’ve been, from the incredible success of Saved by the Bell, other quality acting roles, the books I’ve written, and even UTC Distinguished Alumni in 2000, there’s always been something missing for me—my college degree. For reasons long past, I left just short of my liberal arts degree in theater. Over the years I’ve thought about and even pursued finishing that degree. Now, with the forward thinking policies of this great university that I love so much that have benefited many other graduates, I join these graduates in holding my head high having earned my liberal arts degree in theater from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga! Go Chattanooga! And Go Mocs!”
 

Haskins' character was partially so beloved because he formed a constant presence throughout all the series' iterations, both as a regular on Saved by the Bell: The New Class, and in his guest appearance on the "A Thanksgiving Story" episode of Saved by the Bell: The College Years. Indeed, he's the only character to remain from the beginning to the end of the franchise apart from Screech, a character who appeared to have some difficultly leaving Bayside (and likely the best years of his life), behind. 

The actor posted a number of shots from the ceremony on his Instagram page, with the university's mascot filming the moment he receives his degree and the Saved by the Bell theme tune is blasted over the speakers. 

 

 

It's official! Tassel moved from right to left! I'm a graduate! #UTC #TheaterandSpeech #GoMocs

A photo posted by @realmrbelding on Dec 12, 2015 at 7:01am PST

Congratulations, Mr. Belding!