Mr. Belding From ‘Saved By The Bell’ Is Now A Very Proud College Graduate

We’ve reached the series finale for Mr. Belding: The College Years. It’s a happy one from the looks of things.

Saved By The Bell principal Dennis Haskins is now a college graduate. (Bayside High plays it fast and loose with its hiring policies, apparently.) The 65-year-old actor wrapped up some unfinished business at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, completing his degree that he began before his acting career took off.

Here’s what Haskins had to say about his route back to completing college:

“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!”

As TV principals are wont to do after they graduate, Haskins was more than happy to show off highlights from the big day on social media.

Walking nightmare/school mascot Scrappy even went to the trouble of filming the big moment. Like all graduation ceremonies, the Saved By The Bell theme gets blasted out loud with the utmost dignity.

Congrats, Mr. B.

(via TMZ)