Acclaimed Composer Marvin Hamlisch to
Receive Honorary Degree from C.W. Post

Marvin Hamlisch — the composer, arranger, conductor and pianist who is known for writing such unforgettable melodies as "The Way We Were," "One," and "They’re Playing Our Song" — will receive an Honorary Doctorate of Music from the C.W. Post Campus of Long Island University in Brookville, NY during 46^th Annual Commencement exercises Sunday, May 9, 2004. Honorary degrees are awarded to individuals who, through their perseverance, dedication to their field, and commitment to community, serve as role models to students.

With three Oscars, four Grammys, four Emmys, one Tony, three Golden Globes and a Pulitzer Prize to his credit, Hamlisch is one of America’s musical treasures. His works have graced the Great White Way, the silver screen and the world’s premier concert stages, drawing critical acclaim and winning the hearts of countless fans. Hamlisch is perhaps best known for the memorable score he wrote for the landmark musical, "A Chorus Line." Other Broadway credits include "They’re Playing Our Song," "The Goodbye Girl," "Sweet Smell of Success" and "Imaginary Friends." He also has composed original scores and musical adaptations for more than 40 motion pictures, including "The Way We Were," "The Sting," "Sophie’s Choice," "Ordinary People," "The Swimmer," "Three Men and a Baby," "Ice Castles," "Take the Money and Run," "Bananas" and "Save the Tiger."

In addition to his considerable contributions as a composer, Hamlisch is a noted performer, musical director and conductor. Barbara Streisand tapped him for the pivotal role of musical director and arranger for two of her concert tours as well as her television special, "Barbara Streisand: The Concert." His work on the latter earned him two Emmys. He currently serves as principal pops conductor with both the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and the National Symphony Orchestra in Washington, D.C. He is the first person in the history of either orchestra to hold such a position.

Hamlisch has brought his myriad talents to C.W. Post on several occasions. He made his Tilles Center debut in 1983, beginning a long association with the renowned arts venue, including appearances with Skitch Henderson and the New York Pops, with the Long Island Philharmonic and as the headliner of Tilles Center Gala XVII. This past fall, he returned for an evening in Tilles Center’s Showcase series and also offered master classes for the Campus’ music and theatre students as part of the Rose Tilles Lecture Series.

A graduate of Juilliard and Queens College, Mr. Hamlisch lives in New York City with his wife, Terre.

Hamlisch will receive his Honorary Degree along with another highly accomplished individual: New York State Attorney General Eliot Spitzer who was named "Crusader of the Year" by Time magazine in 2002.

C.W. Post is one of six campuses of Long Island University, the seventh largest private university in the United States. With more than 13,000 full- and part-time students, C.W. Post offers a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs in accountancy, business (AACSB accredited), computer science, liberal arts and sciences, library and information science (ALA accredited), education, health professions and nursing, public service, and visual and performing arts. C.W. Post also offers doctorates in information studies and clinical psychology as well as an extensive continuing education program.