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Jimmy Buffett Gives Advice On "Ever-Elusive Future" At UM Graduation

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CORAL GABLES (CBSMiami) -- Singer- Songwriter Jimmy Buffett brought some of his signature islander advice to University of Miami (UM) graduates on Friday.

Sporting flip flops and a pink stole to mark his new honorary degree, Buffett spoke about his South Florida beginnings at the Titanic Restaurant & Brewery near the university, according to our news partners at the Miami Herald.

"I started off as a bar singer in Coral Gables," he said. "And I got a doctorate now."

Buffett distilled his advice into a checklist for the, as he called it, "ever-elusive future."

He broke it down into four points: Everything in moderation. Make your avocation your vocation. Go see the world. And "be Santa Claus when you can."

Buffet also warned students to avoid "falling into the sedentary trap."

Among those listening to Buffett's commencement speech was UM President Donna Shalala who is stepping down after 14 years.

Students at the graduation had pinned buttons with red hearts that said, " I love Shalala."

Graduates high-fived her as she made her way to the stage and later gave her a standing ovation.

Shalala's next step is to head the Clinton Foundation.

(©2015 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. CBS4 news partner The Miami Herald contributed material for this report.)

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