AN international filmmaker born and raised in Ballarat has been given an honorary doctorate at the University of Ballarat’s graduation ceremony yesterday.The university’s Mount Helen campus was abuzz with excitement yesterday as the first of 1400 students graduated yesterday in front of their family and friends.Among those with plenty to smile about yesterday was Roger Donaldson, awarded an honorary doctorate during the ceremony.Mr Donaldson has been involved in making many popular movies including No Way Out starring Kevin Costner, Cocktail starring Tom Cruise and Dante’s Peak starring Pierce Brosnan.Now living in Los Angeles, Mr Donaldson said he was first offered the doctorate two years ago, but couldn’t attend due to work commitments.“I was very surprised when I was asked, but it’s a great honour,” he said.University of Ballarat vice-chancellor David Battersby said graduations were always a celebrated time at the university.“It’s great to see all the graduates and their families so happy,” he said.Arts Academy, Applied Sciences, Business Services, Human Services, Manufacturing Services, Behavioural and Social Sciences, Humanities and Science and Engineering students graduated yesterday. Today, students from the school of education, graduate school of information technology and mathematical sciences will graduate, while nursing, human movement and sports science students graduate tomorrow.