By Paul Kurtz

BRYN MAWR, PA. (CBS) – Pitman, New Jersey native Patti Smith will be honored with Bryn Mawr College’s 2013 Katherine Hepburn award.

The rock legend blazed a trail for female rock n’ rollers in the 1970′s with her classic debut album, “Horses”,  but Bryn Mawr College Secretary Ruth Lindeborg says Smith has continued to evolve over the years.

“She’s a terrific writer, she won the National Book Award for her biography about her early professional life and friendship with Robert Maplethorpe. She’s written poetry. She’s done a whole lot of visual art including photography.”

The Hepburn Award recognizes the women who embody the independent spirit of the Oscar-winning actress and Bryn Mawr alum.

Smith will be honored in February.

Past winners include actress Lauren Bacall and Philadelphia Mural Arts Program Executive Director Jane Golden.