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Only at Columbia: No Pomp and Circumstance for These Grads -- They Rock the House with Earth, Wind & Fire

CHICAGO, May 20, 2008 /PRNewswire-USNewswire via COMTEX/ ----Founding EWF Members Receive Honorary Doctorates, Join Student Musicians for a Rendition of Shining Star

The founding members of the legendary pop music group Earth, Wind & Fire received honorary doctoral degrees at Columbia College Chicago commencement on Sunday morning May 18.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080520/DC23062 )

After an eloquent introduction by Columbia President Dr. Warrick L. Carter, Maurice White, Ralph Johnson, Philip Bailey and Verdine White took to the stage to be "hooded" by members of Columbia's senior administration.

Ralph Johnson and Verdine White gave acceptance speeches on behalf of the group. Mr. White spoke movingly of the history of the group and the mutual respect and support they have shared over the years. Mr. Johnson spoke about the critical importance of arts education in the schools noting that, "I am a direct result of what can happen when there are artistic options presented to young students.

After the acceptance speeches, student vocal and instrumental ensembles began a tribute rendition of Shining Star and the Misters White, Johnson and Bailey thrilled the assembled graduates, their families, faculty and staff by grabbing a microphone and joining in the song. Verdine White then borrowed an electric bass from the student musician and played as everyone in the capacity crowd at the UIC Pavilion clapped, stomped and sang along.

The legendary band, Earth, Wind & Fire is among the most influential, commercially successful and critically acclaimed bands of the last three decades. Formed in 1969 in Chicago, Earth Wind & Fire's 39-year history resulted in millions of albums sold worldwide and distinguished awards and accolades. Founding members: Maurice White (leader, vocalist, songwriter); Philip Bailey (lead vocalist, percussionist); Verdine White (bassist); Ralph Johnson (drummer and percussionist) have been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and are credited with eight Grammy Awards, four American Music Awards, honors from the NAACP, the BET Awards and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. To this day, Earth, Wind & Fire remain one of the top globally popular touring attractions. Earth, Wind & Fire's signature sound and distinctive musical styles fuse pop, soul, jazz, rock n' roll, psychedelic, African roots music and disco with a base in funk. Hit songs include "September," "Shining Star," "Fantasy," and "Let's Groove."'

Columbia College Chicago, an urban institution committed to open access, opportunity and excellence in higher education, provides innovative degree programs in the visual, performing, media and communication arts to more than 12,000 students in over 120 undergraduate and graduate programs, including film & video, art & design, arts management, television, radio, music, interactive multimedia -- all within a liberal arts context. Founded in 1890 as a communications school for women, Columbia College Chicago was revisioned in 1963 as a liberal arts college with a "hands-on minds-on" approach to arts and media education and a progressive social agenda. Under the current leadership of President Warrick L. Carter, Ph.D., Columbia is aggressively pursuing this mission. Columbia is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The college is accredited as a teacher training institution by the Illinois State Board of Education. For further information visit www.colum.edu.

SOURCE Columbia College Chicago

http://www.colum.edu

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