Alice Ripley, Kent State theater alumna and Tony Award winner, will speak at 7:30 p.m. Monday in the KIVA.

“It is important for current students to know they can achieve something like a Tony Award from education at Kent State,” Cynthia Stillings, director of the School of Theatre and Dance said. “When students start out, they are hesitant. It is good for them to know they, too, can achieve.”

Ripley, an actress, singer and artist received a Tony Award and a Helen Hayes Award in 2009 for her role as Diana Goodman in the Pulitzer-winning rock musical “Next to Normal.” She was nominated for a Drama Desk Award in 1996 and gained fan followings after her role as Violet Hilton in “Slide Show,” a musical about conjoined twins who become famous. She has also been nominated for other Helen Hayes Awards for her work in “Shakespeare in Hollywood,” “Company” and “Tell Me on Sunday.” She performs in the band, RIPLEY. She has written over 100 songs.

A dessert reception will follow the presentation. The event is free and open to the public.

Contact Shauna Carter at [email protected].