Actor Doug Jones keynotes Judson graduation ceremonies

Between morning and afternoon commencement ceremonies, 237 graduates were awarded degrees Saturday at Judson University in Elgin.

Hollywood actor Doug Jones gave the keynote speech during both ceremonies held at the Lindner Fitness Center on campus. A devout Christian, Jones also received an honorary doctoral degree from the Christian liberal arts university.

Jones, an award-winning actor, is known for his roles as Abe Sapien in "Hellboy" and "Hellboy II," as the Silver Surfer in "Fantastic 4: Rise of the Silver Surfer," and as the Amphibian Man in the Academy Award-winning 2017 movie "The Shape of Water." A contortionist, Jones is known for playing roles that require heavy makeup and costuming.

For more than 20 years, Jones has been a member of Media Fellowship International, a Christian ministry working with people in the media and arts community, and serves on its board. It was his third appearance at Judson.

During his presentation, entitled "Dream, Seek, Live," Jones told students: "It all starts with a dream about what's ahead and what mark will we leave behind." He encouraged graduates to seek out what they are passionate about. He said his seeking has relied on the verse from Matthew 6:33 stating that God gives each person talents with the intent for them to use these talents fully.