Sharon Stone, who grew up in nearby Saegertown, Pa., returns to northwest Pennsylvania Wednesday to speak at a luncheon hosted by Edinboro University President Frank Pogue. Stone, 49, attended Edinboro and made good grades there, but left to pursue a modeling career before graduating.

Things worked out well for Stone, who achieved big-time success as a model before moving into acting fulltime. In those early years, she spoke often to Erie Times-News reporters. I interviewed her several times in person myself. But after she hit it big with "Basic Instinct," and became one of Hollywood's biggest stars, it hasn't been easy reaching Stone in recent years.

In fact, she blew off a scheduled interview this week with veteran Times-News reporter Dave Richards. But at least Stone is returning to help out her alma mater. She's also been a fairly regular visitor to these parts over the years, and I often hear stories about how graciously she treats "visitors from home" when she hosts them at her California home.

Thought she doesn't seek publicity for it, Stone has always shared her success with her family. A recent article in Golf World magazine explained how she took her father, who's been suffering with cancer, to the Calloway headquarters to order a custom-made set of golf clubs that were sutiable for her dad to use. Playing golf was helping him in his rehabilitation, the article said.

Wednesday's luncheon is already sold out, which means Stone's appearance will be a winner for the Pogue scholarship fund.

Edinboro has been successful over the years in luring celebrities to its campus. A decade ago, a public relations official from the college called me early on a Sunday morning and said, "You'd be wise to attend our graduation ceremonies this afternoon."

When I asked what was happening, he replied cryptically, "I've been sworn to secrecy, and all I can say is that you won't want to miss this."

Shortly after I got to my seat, Joe DiMaggio, the New York Yankees great, came out wearing a cap and gown. Needless to say, it was a most memorable graduation ceremony.

Stone, as talented an actor as she is, will have some big shoes to fill on Wednesday, as she tries to follow Joe D's example. It should be fun.

-- Kevin Cuneo

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