Actress and Broadway star Carol Channing and her husband Harry Kullijian, was honored last week for her great efforts in the area of arts education and programs in both K-12 and higher education.

At a reception hosted for Dr. Channing at the state Capitol, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger presented her with a state proclamation as a thank you for her contribution in keeping arts programs alive in many public state schools and universities.

In 2005, Dr. Channing, along with her husband Harry, began a tour of the 23 CSU campuses to perform and share her experience as one of Broadway’s enduring stars. The previous year, she was awarded an honorary doctoral degree from CSU Stanislaus, the third in the campus’ 45-year history.

Their goal is simple, to drive home a message that the arts are as critical as many other university subjects in producing a well-balanced and educated individual.

Dr. Channing continues to expand her commitment to California art students with the establishment of scholarships through her Dr. Carol Channing-Harry Kullijian Foundation for the Arts, and still frequently visits university and K-12 campuses throughout the state.

In addition to the state proclamation, Dr. Channing was presented with a Senate resolution by Senator Jack Scott and a certificate of recognition from the CSU. Following the reception and luncheon, Dr. Channing was given a thank you by the full Senate on the Senate Floor and an opportunity to speak on her project relating to arts education in public schools.