Chita Rivera, international star of stage, film and television, will receive an honorary doctor of fine arts degree from Niagara University on Wednesday, May 30, the Rev. Joseph L. Levesque, C.M., president of the university, announced today.

The degree will be conferred at a special convocation at the Buffalo Club, 388 Delaware Ave., Buffalo, immediately following Rivera's performance that evening of her show, "Chita Rivera: The Dancer's Life," at Shea's Performing Arts Center.

In making the announcement, Father Levesque cited her long and outstanding contribution to the American musical theater as an actress, dancer and singer. "Miss Rivera is a star," he continued, quoting the citation which will honor her, "but at the same time she is a trouper. It is also that indomitable quality which we wish to honor: the stick-to-it determination, born of her inestimable talent, which has seen her through more than five decades of her career. We salute this living national treasure whom all of America has taken to its heart."

Rivera first made Broadway history when she created the role of Anita in the original 1957 production of "West Side Story."

Universally regarded as a legendary entertainer, Rivera is Broadway's most accomplished and versatile dancer/actress/singer. A recipient of the prestigious Kennedy Center honor, presented by the President of the United States, she has won two Tony Awards as Best Leading Actress in a Musical and has received seven additional Tony Award nominations. She is currently on tour across the country with her Broadway production of "Chita Rivera: The Dancer's Life," the story of her own life in the theater, written by Terrence McNally and directed by Graciela Daniele. Previously, her most recent Broadway appearance was in the Tony-Award winning revival of "Nine," starring Antonio Banderas.