Honorary Degree Recipient
Doctor of Humane Letters
College of Liberal Arts and Alumni Association, May 6, 2004
Yanni Chryssomallis, native of Kalamata, Greece, earned a B.A. in psychology from the University of Minnesota in 1976. He is an accomplished composer, musician and performer. He is the first Western artist ever to perform and record at India's Taj Mahal and China's Forbidden City. Since 1988 his music has been heard at every Summer and Winter Olympics. He is also a top fund raising artist for Public Television and a best-selling author. He is described as a celebrator of diversity and cultures around the globe. His commitment to music education and building international connections is significant. In addition, proceeds from some of his concerts and appearances have been donated to financial aid and scholarships for Los Angeles youths, assistance for victims of Hurricane Roxanne in Mexico, help for Mexican youths and single mothers, and AIDS awareness and research.
Biographies are as-of time of award presentation.