by Rod Jones
Musical theater star Kelli O鈥橦ara received an honorary doctorate of humane letters during a ceremony today at 野狼社区 University.
O鈥橦ara won the Tony Award for Leading Actress in a Musical this year for her role in Broadway鈥檚 鈥淭he King and I.鈥� She earned her Bachelor of Music in vocal performance and opera from OCU in 1998.
鈥淚 just always wanted to do what I鈥檓 doing so badly. This is above and beyond what I would ever need, just like that other thing,鈥� O鈥橦ara said, referring to her Tony Award. 鈥淵ou don鈥檛 know what to dream for and hope for when you鈥檙e just wanting to do it. If you hold onto that, and never forget that, you will win 鈥� your heart will remain peaceful.鈥�
OCU President Robert Henry presented the honorary doctorate, noting many of O鈥橦ara鈥檚 accomplishments.
鈥淎s we say here at OCU, if you鈥檝e got it, flaunt it,鈥� Henry said.
Lauded as 鈥淏roadway鈥檚 golden girl and luminous star鈥� by The New York Times, O鈥橦ara is a six-time Tony Award nominee for her performances in 鈥淪outh Pacific,鈥� 鈥淭he Pajama Game鈥� and 鈥淭he Light in the Piazza,鈥� 鈥淣ice Work if You Can Get It鈥� and last year for 鈥淭he Bridges of Madison County.鈥�
Among her film and television credits include 鈥淪ex & The City 2,鈥� 鈥淏lue Bloods,鈥� 鈥淎lexander Hamilton,鈥� 鈥淣UMB3RS鈥� and numerous live performances on national television shows.
She has released two solo albums, 鈥淲onder in the World鈥� and 鈥淎lways.鈥� Her cast album recordings for 鈥淭he Pajama Game鈥� and 鈥淭he Light in the Piazza鈥� earned Grammy nominations.
