Chester Gregory Speaks at Columbia College Chicago, Receives Honorary Doctorate

Broadway star and recording artist Chester Gregory recently returned to Chicago to receive the highest honor from his alma mater, Columbia College Chicago (BFA Musical Theatre, '95).

For his phenomenal achievements in the fine, creative, and performing arts, Chester Gregory was presented with an honorary doctorate degree during the Spring 2015 commencement ceremonies on May 17, 2015. He also served as the commencement's keynote speaker, delivering an inspiring keynote address to music, art and design graduates.

Other 2015 honorees include Tony Award-winning theatre director Anna D. Shapiro, screenwriter Josefina López, record producer Nan Warshaw and president of HBO Films, Len Amato.

"To say it's an honor to be here would be an understatement." says Gregory. "This is one of the greatest days of my life!".

During his commencement keynote address, Gregory encouraged graduates to live a "Lucid" life. "What do I mean by Lucid Life? Well, a Lucid Dream is a dream is just like any other, except for the fact that you are AWARE that you are dreaming. So, because you are aware, you start to create and manifest what you desire, simply because you know you have the ability to do so. Is life this way? Who's to say that it's not and if it is, you need to be aware that you have the ability to create and manifest your life to be EXACTLY what you want."

Click HERE to watch the 2015 commencement address delivered by Chester Gregory (starting at the 6:19:00 mark).

Born in Gary, Indiana to a steel mill worker and a school teacher, Chester "CHESS" Gregory drew inspiration from hometown hero Michael Jackson to pursue his dream of becoming an artist. His Broadway credits include Hairspray, Tarzan, Cry-Baby and Sister Act. He has toured nationally with Dreamgirls and Sister Act, as well as his one-man show The Eve of Jackie Wilson. Mr. Gregory has received many awards including the Jeff Award and NAACP Theatre Award, and has been presented the key to the city of his hometown of Gary, Indiana, as well as East Chicago. He has also been chosen as an Honorary State Representative. In addition to acting, Mr. Gregory performs as a recording artist known as CHESS. For more information on Chester Gregory, visit www.chestergregory.com.

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