Donald O'Connor, recipient of Oklahoma City University's first Honorary Doctorate of Performing Arts in American Dance in 2000, died on September 27 of heart disease at a retirement home in Calabasas, California. He is most well known for his performance of the song, "Make 'Em Laugh," an acrobatic song and dance in the 1952 movie co-starring Gene Kelley and Debbie Reynolds, Singin' in the Rain.

Donald O'Connor will be missed by all of the students at Oklahoma City University. His legacy will live on in all those who met him and in the hearts of those he touched.