Tom Petty Up For Award

Gainesville, Fla, native Tom Petty, frontman of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, has been nominated for the University of Florida's Distinguished Achievement Award.

The award is "given to individuals for exceptional achievements in a chosen profession, for demonstrated leadership, and for other exemplary accomplishments."

However, there's a caveat: The recipient must attend the university's graduation ceremonies next spring.

Petty, who did not attend the Gainesville, Fla. university, was nominated by State Sen. Rod Smith and the Children's Home Society of Mid-Florida not only for his musical contributions but for his humanitarian efforts as well including Live Aid, Farm Aid, Greenpeace and the recent all-star telethon benefiting the victims of September 11.