Missouri State University actually handed out 2,632 diploma frames on May 18. Comedian Jaron Myers picked up a cap and gown from the bookstore and headed to John Q. Hammons Arena for the 1:30 p.m. graduation ceremony.
"I woke up Friday and thought this would be funny if I tried, I didn't think it would work at all," Myers said.
The 24-year-old Mount Vernon native saw an opportunity after joking about it with friends who were graduating.
"We were joking about the name cards and if someone changed theirs to say something funny... it went on from there to what if they didn't even go there," Myers said.
Using photos from inside sources, he copied the style of name cards and went to graduation. He posted his experience on social media, quickly going viral.
The prank received slight backlash, accusing him of disrespecting the hard work of college students.
"I didn't want to diminish the accomplishments of anyone," Myers said. "It seemed like a goofy idea... I hope that it's clear, that wasn't my hope at all. I just duped them."
Others found it hilarious.
The comedian is no stranger to the power of social media.
You may remember his viral hit single "My Pleasure" from November expressing his love of Chick-fil-A.
He intentionally chose Springfield for the prank to promote the filming of his next comedy special at The Gillioz Theatre.
"I feel bad that there's someone who feels dumb that this happened," Myers said. "This doesn't mean (MSU) did something wrong. I tricked them, it doesn't mean the system is broken, it just means I got through."
Myers hasn't heard from any official Missouri State staff.
