For Hollywood star Dave Annable, Plattsburgh State is where it all started.

On Friday, it was hugs and tears as the 29-year-old returned for the first time in 10 years, one day before he is to receive his degree and an award from the university.

“This is pretty emotional,” said Annable, who stars on ABC’s “Brothers & Sisters.”

“It’s so wonderful to be back.”

BACK IN THE STUDIO
A large crowd followed him Friday as he reacquainted himself with the university’s television studies and offered tight embraces to faculty and staff he had not seen in years.

Among his entourage were students, including one female who chirped she was the little sister of someone Annable knows.

“That’s rad,” smiled the bearded actor enthusiastically, dressed in dark pants, a blue button-up shirt and silver tie.

Born in Suffern, Annable grew up in the small town of Walden, graduating from Valley Central School in 1997.

He was accepted at Plattsburgh State as a communications major, working for Plattsburgh State Television as the host of “Late Night with Dave Annable,” “Cardinal Sports,” “Stay Tuned” and more.

“This is where it all started,” Annable said Friday while touring the television studios, tears in his eyes at times. “This is where you make your friends for life.”

DROPPED OUT
Annable didn’t know what he wanted to do when he came to Plattsburgh State, but he made lifetime friends, tested the waters and decided he was going to become an actor.

He went to a hotel that was holding a call for actors and landed an agent.

In 2000, he decided to drop out of Plattsburgh State.

“I was living here and commuting eight hours for auditions, and that sucked after two weeks.”

He told himself he’d give acting a year.

Annable studied acting at the famed Neighborhood Playhouse in New York.

He did television commercials for products such as Mountain Dew and Starburst and had guest starring roles on NBC’s “Third Watch” and WB’s “Other People’s Money.”

BIG BREAK
He gained attention for his part on the short-lived Fox series “Reunion” in 2005.

But his breakout role came in 2006 as Justin Walker on ABC’s hit series “Brothers & Sisters,” which also features Sally Field, Calista Flockhart, Rob Lowe and more.

On the big screen, he had a role in “Little Black Book.”

In 2007, People magazine ranked him No. 7 on its annual Sexiest Men Alive issue.

BACK TO SCHOOL
When he decided to drop out of college, Annable promised his mother he’d return to his studies one day.

He contacted Plattsburgh State and was able to complete his degree online.

“It was a step for them to let me do that, and I appreciate it fully.”

It wasn’t easy, though, as Annable worked “crazy” hours filming episodes for “Brothers & Sisters.” He often brought his studies to the set.

“You just make it work, and you have Sally Field help you.”

Coincidentally, his television character is returning to college, too.

“I have been very lucky.”

MEMORIES
Annable arrived in the area Thursday night and found his way on Plattsburgh State’s campus Friday morning.

“Passing all the dorms, it really brings you back. It’s the first time I’ve been here in 10 years.”

As he walked around the television studios, Annable sat down behind the Plattsburgh State Television desk, smiled and said, “Welcome to Cardinal Sports.”

Annable, who officially graduates this August, will receive at the college’s commencement today the Plattsburgh Alumni Association’s Off to a Good Start Award, which honors individuals who are excelling in a career, demonstrate a sense of responsibility within the community and continue to have a relationship with Plattsburgh State.

He’s proud of his accomplishments thus far but said he owes much to the university that started it all for him.

“Everybody wants that college degree.”

source: pressrepublican