Troy University News

November 24, 2003

Contact:
Tom Davis :
(334) 670-3196; tomdavis@troy.edu

Office of University Relations
253 Adams Administration
Troy, AL 36082
(334) 670-3196
(334) 670-3274 (fax)

Hugh O'Brian to speak at TSU commencement Dec. 12

    Hugh O'Brian, a veteran movie and television actor who founded a nationwide leadership program for high school students, will deliver the winter commencement address at Troy State University Dec. 12.
The ceremony is scheduled to begin at 10:30 at Sartain Hall on the TSU campus. Approximately 425 students are scheduled to receive diplomas.
    “It will be an honor to have Hugh O'Brian on our campus,” Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., Chancellor, said. “He has distinguished himself through his acting, but even more important is his dedication to serving young people and fostering leadership skills through the Hugh O'Brian Youth Foundation.”
    O'Brian, who starred on stage and in movies, earned his greatest fame on television portraying the lead role in the ABC series “Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp” from 1955-61. In 1958, O'Brian spent nine days with famed humanitarian Dr. Albert Schweitzer in Africa, which led to the founding of the Hugh O'Brian Youth Foundation (HOBY).
    HOBY's mission is to seek out, recognize and develop leadership potential commencing with high school sophomores and to encourage and prepare the next generation of civic and corporate leadership for America's future. More than 14,000 young people are chosen annually to attend HOBY Leadership Seminars, which are held in all 50 U.S. states.
    Born in Rochester, N.Y., O'Brian left college after a semester to join the U.S. Marine Corps, where he became the youngest drill instructor in the history of the Corps. After leaving military service, O'Brian moved to Los Angeles, where he planned to earn tuition for law school. He joined a little theater group, which led to a contract with Universal Studios and a full-time acting career.
    O'Brian has received numerous awards for his commitment to leadership development among young people including the George Washington Honor Medal of the Freedom Foundation at Valley Forge, and the 60th annual American Education Award presented by the American Association of School Administrators.