How a super long-living bird helped 350 students graduate from university

It's just how they roll in Sault, Michigan

No caption needed. It is perfectly clear what is happening here. John Shibley/LSSU

However long you may have sat and pondered the circumstances under which your college diploma came to bear its official endorsement, it is unlikely your mind conjured this scenario.

Lake Superior State University President Tom Pleger (seated, above) is pictured as he signs a stack of 350 diplomas in his home dining room last week under the watchful eye of Silver, the Plegers’ pet African Gray parrot.

In what is no doubt a comfort to LSSU grads of the future, LSSU's John Shibley writes: "Given the bird's potential for a 90-year life span, Silver could be inspecting the Class of 2086's credentials."

2016's crop of graduates should see their diplomas in the mail this week, at which point the university has requested you hold up your smartphone and take a selfie.

A parrot is optional, but hashtag #LSSU, if it’s not too much trouble.