Sending congratulatory message to the graduating seniors in Missouri State University, the Springfield native actor tells them, 'Our money's on you to make this world a better place.'

• May 19, 2020

AceShowbiz - Brad Pitt is making the virtual graduation of Missouri State University extra special. The "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" has recently surprised the graduating class of 2020 with a special congratulatory video message he sent to the largest university in his hometown of Springfield, Missouri.

The under-two-minute video was kicked off by MSU President Clif Smart telling the university's mascot Boomer, "I was really proud of all of our faculty and staff who sent literally hundreds of video congratulations to our seniors." He went on to describe Springfield as "a place where people always remember where they've come from," before telling Brad to take it away.

Popping up on a phone screen, Brad greeted the seniors, "Hi everyone. Brad here from quarantine with a shout out to the graduating class of Missouri State University. Yeah!" He continued on addressing the situation caused by the coronavirus pandemic. "It must be very strange doing this in these trying times, but know we're rooting for you," he said.

The Academy Award winner, who donned turquoise shirt and sported grayish facial hair in the video, added, "Our money's on you to make this world a better place. And we wish you all the best in your future endeavors. So, you did it. You made it. Enjoy." He concluded his message by saying, "Congrats again, and think big."

Brad's video message might come as an answer to a plea made by Dr. Elizabeth K. King, an assistant professor at MSU, on Tuesday, May 12. In a video she posted on Twitter, the professor explained, "I'm reaching out to you because I'm feeling wild and why not. I'm hoping you can send a message of support for our 2020 grads at Missouri State."

"As you know, graduation is clearly not what students anticipated and there is a lot of disappointment rolling around here in Springfield," she continued on making her appeal to the Hollywood star. "And I think you could help, right? We love you. Everybody loves you."

Along with the video, King shared in her Twitter post, "I had a wild idea that Brad Pitt would do his hometown a solid & cheer up @MissouriState grads who won't walk this Friday. Haven't heard from anyone I emailed, so here's a video I never thought I'd share. Last shot for my students."