PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - The nation's smallest state has gone big on pride after Rhode Island native Olivia Culpo snagged the title of Miss Universe.
Allan Fung, the mayor of Culpo's hometown of Cranston, calls her win Wednesday night in Las Vegas "a feel good moment" for the city, state and nation.
Fung gave the 20-year-old Boston University student a key to the city after she was crowned Miss USA in June, the first time anyone from Rhode Island had won the title. He says she can have another key to the city - or whatever she wants - because "she is the center of the universe."
Culpo beat out 88 other women. An American hadn't won since 1997.
She says Rhode Island is "where it all started" and thanks residents for their support.
(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
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