We will now confer an honorary degree
upon an individual who has distinguished herself
in the field of American broadcasting
and a lifetime of service
to the University of Nebraska
and the people of the State of Nebraska.
Leta Powell Drake is a friend and alumni
of the University of Nebraska.
A member of the Nebraska Broadcasters Hall of Fame
and the Nebraska Press Women's Hall of Fame.
She is a TV pioneer,
and twice, she placed in the top 10
of a women's flight competition,
piloting a single-engine plane across the United States.
This honorary degree is an honor long overdue
for a person who has exemplified great community service
and leadership.
Regent Clare will hood Leta Powell Drake
with her Doctoral hood.
Leta's son, Aaron Drake has escorted her to the stage.
Please direct your attention to the HuskerVision screen
for a video introduction to this amazing human being.
From KOL in Lincoln, KGI in Grand Island.
This is the "Morning Show" with Leta Powell Drake.
(upbeat music)
Spring has sprung. Good morning, good morning.
Welcome to the "Morning Show." It's Friday already.
It's February the 26th, the temperature is rising.
[Female announcer] For years Nebraskans started their day
with Leta Powell Drake,
but her day never ended, when the show wrapped.
Drake was a TV personality and producer,
a community leader and manager,
a licensed pilot and a mother.
And for hundreds of children,
she was Kalamity Kate on "Cartoon Corral."
♪ Kalamity, Kalamity Kate. ♪
(kids cheering) (Kids clapping hands)
[Female announcer] Drake earned her master's
in theater arts from the University of Nebraska.
She served as program director of KOLN TV for 28 years.
As host of the "Morning Show" Drake interviewed presidents,
humanitarians, and celebrities.
Princess Leia is with us today
on "Getting Around."
In seeing it last night, Tom-
I can listen to you all day long.
And one of the finest actors I have ever seen.
It's a delightful little film
called "The Christmas Story."
(kissing lips)
Oh, he works, he works, he works.
Watch him here, February of 16.
Kojak is back and we're glad to have him.
[Female announcer] Drake went on to serve
as assistant network program manager
for Nebraska's statewide
public television and radio network.
Now known as Nebraska Public Media.
Drake is a tireless champion
for the University of Nebraska Lincoln, onstage and off.
She performed at the Nebraska repertory theater
and served on the boards of the University of Nebraska
College of Fine and Performing Arts
and the Nebraska Alumni Association.
She played a leading role
for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UNL.
♪ That the guy's only doing it for some doll ♪
The city of Lincoln
benefits from Drake's energy and generosity.
She helped create the Lincoln Star City Holiday Parade
and served on numerous boards.
Last year, Drake added another line to her resume.
She became an internet sensation
when her celebrity interview videos went viral.
Proving that Leta Powell Drake never goes out of style.
(upbeat music)
(audience clapping)
In recognition of her extraordinary achievements,
in the fields of broadcasting and the theater.
In honor of her leadership and creative vision
in television programming for all ages.
In respect of her tireless work
as an advocate for the community
and in gratitude for her loyalty and lifetime of service
to the state of Nebraska and her alma mater,
the University of Nebraska Lincoln
confers upon Leta Powell Drake,
the honorary degree, Doctor of Humane Letters.
(audience clapping)
Join me in a big round of applause again
for Leta Powell Drake.
(audience clapping)