Wintec awards Masters to Rocky Horror star

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For immediate release

16 May 2013

Wintec awards Masters to Rocky Horror star

In recognition of his commitment to arts and the Waikato arts community, Wintec (the Waikato Institute of Technology) awarded Richard O’Brien an honorary Master of Arts at a formal ceremony and dinner at Wintec House in Hamilton last night.

The author and star of the cult musical, The Rocky Horror Show, has a career spanning 50 years in the arts both at an international and local level.

Representatives from the Waikato arts community, Wintec honorary recipients, mayors, Wintec Council members and staff all turned out to congratulate O’Brien on what is his first degree - at 71 years of age.

On receiving the honour O’Brien said: “Through much of my life I have been embraced by others, and this is just another embrace, so thank you Wintec.”

Wintec Chair, Mary Cave-Palmer said: “Richard is proof that art and business can combine, and that our city can produce talented people who operate on a global level in the arts.

“Richard is not only a role model, and an inspiration to many, he is also generous in sharing his great experience and knowledge.”

Earlier in the day Richard spoke to around 100 Wintec students about his time in the limelight. His advice to the students covered the importance of being yourself and not allowing the pursuit of fame and fortune to be the catalyst for doing what you love.

“If you just do what you love to do as best you can, then you will be rewarded in one way or another.”

Despite his prosperous career, Richard put his success down to good luck, “My life has been a series of good fortune. I’m the luckiest person on the earth. Look at me, I look gorgeous for seventy-one.”

O’Brien is one of two recipients of Wintec honorary awards this year. Former Wintec Chair and Waikato public relations practitioner Gordon Chesterman received a Wintec Fellowship earlier this year.

Wintec's honorary recipients must have made a significant contribution to Wintec, the region or the nation over a number of years through innovation in industry or business, scholarship and research, or enhancing New Zealand society.

Honorary fellows and degrees are approved by the Wintec Council following recommendations made by the Honorary Degree Nominations Committee which annually review nominations from Wintec staff and council members.

-ENDS-

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