Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback graduated from Miami University (OH) on Sunday—nine years after leaving for the NFL.
He received his Bachelor of Science degree in education during a commencement ceremony at Miami's Millett Hall—the university's basketball arena close to Yager Stadium, where he set records he still holds today.
The 30-year-old joined nearly 600 students in receiving their diplomas on campus from The School of Education, Health & Society—a ceremony officiated by Dean Carine Feyten. His wife, Ashley; his father and stepmother, Ken and Brenda; and his grandmother, Audrey, were in attendance.
He told the university he's very proud of the school, the red "M," and the education he has received.
Before leading the Steelers to two Super Bowl titles, he set several Miami football records from 2001-2003. Four courses short of graduation, he was drafted to the NFL.
According to Associate Dean Melissa Chase, Roethlisberger completed a majority of the courses in recent years and finished his senior capstone course this spring.
Miami University President David Hodge told the AP he's proud to count Roethlisberger among more than 200,000 alumni. Eighty-nine percent of student-athletes who enroll earn their degrees, according to the university.
In the fall of 2007, Roethlisberger's No. 7 jersey was retired at Yager Stadium. He is just one of three individuals in the program to have his number retired.
He owns every major Miami single-game, single-season and career passing mark, according to the university. In 2003, the RedHawks tallied 13 consecutive victories, a MAC championship, a Bowl victory and a No. 10 final ranking in the national polls.
He also garnered numerous awards, including the Vern Smith Award as the MAC's Most Valuable Player.
