University of Connecticut's School of Engineering graduating class was treated to quite the commencement speaker, but it was more about how the speech was delivered.

According to the Hartford Courant, Rick Mastracchio, a UConn graduate, delivered the school's address Saturday from the International Space Station (ISS). He earned his Bachelor of Science Degree of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science in 1982 then went on to earn two master's degrees elsewhere.

"I thought, I'm in a weightless environment," he said. "Maybe I should give the speech in a different orientation.

"I probably have the best job, on or off the earth."

After working countless jobs, Mastracchio told 400 engineering graduates, he said he repeatedly sent astronaut applications to NASA for nine years before finally gaining acceptance to the corp. in 1996.

"Nine years is a long time to pursue anything, especially a job," he said.

Mastracchio is now one of NASA's most seasoned ISS crewmember and he is currently serving his fourth mission on board. He has performed two spacewalks since Dec., both to replace damaged equipment.

"You become an astronaut the same way you accomplish any goal -- through hard work and perseverance," Mastracchio said. "Everyone has goals, dreams, and wishes, but not everybody wants to do the daily work it takes to reach their goals... You achieve big things not with one big step but with many small steps. You didn't complete college in one day. It took you working hard almost daily for four or five years. Other big goals and accomplishments will probably take a similar level of work and effort."

UConn is already having a big year in 2014, with both the men and women's basketball teams taking home the basketball national championship trophies. Mastracchio took notice.

"Oh yeah, one more thing," He said. "Go Huskies!"