Beverly Sills, best known as one of the world’s most respected sopranos, had to cancel her 5:30 p.m. Nov. 7 lecture at Wharton Center because of an illness.

Wharton Center spokesman Bob Hoffman said the center is looking to reschedule her for a later date this upcoming spring.

“Our World View (Lecture) Series has been pretty successful for faculty and students,” he said.

Sills was scheduled to be the second speaker in Wharton’s World View Series, which is part of MSU’s sesquicentennial celebration, honoring 150 years of higher learning. The university is gearing up for the event, taking place in 2005.

Sills won international popularity through her clear, pliant coloratura voice and sparkling personality. She joined the New York City Opera in 1955 and in 1979 became its general director.

Hoffman said single ticket holders and subscribers are asked to keep their tickets for the rescheduled date of the lecture.

“Full refunds will be honored if people are not able to attend the rescheduled date,” Hoffman said.

Others yet to speak in the series are national syndicated columnist Molly Ivins on Feb. 5 and filmmaker Spike Lee on March 21.

Tickets are still available for the remaining two lectures.

For more information, including ticket prices for the remaining lectures, call (517)432-2000.