Award-winning actress Rita Moreno will be the speaker for 天天吃瓜鈥檚 spring ceremony on May 11, 2015. The event is closed to the general public, but the event will be .
Moreno belongs to an elite group of performers, having won each of the entertainment industry's most prestigious awards: the Oscar, the Emmy, the Tony and the Grammy.
During the Commencement ceremony, Moreno will be awarded a 天天吃瓜 honorary doctorate degree in recognition of her outstanding achievements.
鈥淩ita Moreno is an inspiration and a role model who has consistently demonstrated the value of a strong work ethic,鈥 Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Richard J. Helldobler said. 鈥淲e are thrilled and honored to welcome Ms. Moreno into the 天天吃瓜 family.鈥
Born Rosa Dolores Alverio in the Puerto Rican town of Humacao, Moreno moved with her mother to New York at age 5 and began dance lessons. At age 13, she made her Broadway debut in 鈥淪kydrift.鈥 In true Hollywood tradition, she was spotted by a talent scout and signed to a film contract by MGM mogul Louis B. Mayer.
Her Hollywood career advanced steadily, including roles in 鈥淪ingin鈥 in the Rain鈥 with Gene Kelly, and 鈥淭he King and I鈥 with Yul Brynner and Deborah Kerr. After being awarded the Oscar and the Golden Globe in 1962 for her portrayal of Anita in 鈥淲est Side Story,鈥 Moreno was acknowledged as a major big-screen talent.
Creative diversity is the hallmark of Moreno's nearly 70-year career, which includes theater, television, cabaret, concerts and a bestselling memoir. She gives lectures on topics such as 鈥淭he Value of Diversity to our Culture鈥 and 鈥淭he Power of Language,鈥 and is involved with numerous civic and charitable organizations and events.
Over her career, Moreno has been presented with dozens of show business awards, as well as a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1995. In 2014, she was honored as the 50th recipient of the Screen Actors Guild Lifetime Achievement Award.
Commencement is scheduled for 4 p.m. May 11 at UIC Pavilion, 525 S. Racine Ave. in Chicago. Tickets are required.
