Nicole Scherzinger is Harvard's Artist of the Year

Pop star Nicole Scherzinger was welcomed at Harvard on Sunday (24Feb13) when she was awarded the prestigious university's Artist of the Year prize.

The former Pussycat Dolls lead singer was selected for the honor in recognition of her music career and philanthropic efforts for women and those with special needs.

S. Allen Counter, director of the Harvard Foundation, says, "Her contributions to the performing arts, as well as her support for breast cancer research and initiatives for adults and children with special needs, are commendable and set an excellent example for our students."

Scherzinger took to her Twitter.com page to share snaps from the event, including a photo of herself with a student band member and another with Treasurer Rosa Gumataotao Rios.

She tweeted, "What an inspiration for women!"