LOS ANGELES, Aug. 24 (UPI) -- Ohio's Wilberforce University will present singer Lou Rawls with an honorary doctorate, a spokesman for the singer said Tuesday.
Rawls will receive the honor Saturday at Fraze Pavilion in Kettering, Ohio, when he will also perform in concert. The university said it was recognizing Rawls for his "life-long service to the education of historically disadvantaged populations."
Wilberforce is the nation's oldest historically black college or university.
Rawls -- a three-time Grammy Award-winner -- is best known for such hits as "Love Is a Hurtin' Thing," "A Natural Man" and "You'll Never Find Another Love Like Mine."
In 1980, Rawls launched his annual celebrity telethon to benefit the United Negro College Fund. The telethon has raised more than $200 million.
"Lou Rawls is responsible for more funds and resources for historically black colleges and universities than anyone alive," said Wilberforce University President, the Rev. Dr. Floyd H. Flake. "Lou has carried out his mission for African-American higher education with untiring passion and he is owed an inestimable debt of gratitude."
