Colombia's Shakira honored by Harvard

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Feb. 27 (UPI) -- The Harvard Foundation presented pop star Shakira with its Artist of the Year Award at a ceremony at the university.

The foundation saluted the Colombian-born singer for her music and for her work with the Barefoot Foundation, a charity that promotes education and good nutrition for children.

"I hope you will think of her as a role model," said William Fitzsimmons, dean of Admissions and Financial Aid. Fitzsimmons said Shakira's humanitarian efforts and musical talent would make her "an ideal Harvard student."

The Harvard Crimson said Sunday the ceremony began a half an hour late Saturday and that rules prohibiting flash photography didn't stop the audience from snapping photos when she appeared on stage.