FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Arkansas Gov. Mike Beebe will not be able to attend the spring All University Commencement ceremony at the University of Arkansas Saturday, May 10. The governor has had a death in the family, and will be at a funeral in Northeast Arkansas on Saturday morning.

Gov. Beebe was originally scheduled to receive an honorary Doctor of Laws degree and address the graduating students.

“The entire university community offers our condolences to the governor for his loss,” said Chancellor G. David Gearhart. “We are sorry he will not be able to attend commencement, but absolutely understand the situation. We hope we will have the opportunity to bestow this honorary degree on the governor at a future time.”

Anita Huffington, a nationally known sculptor who has made Northwest Arkansas her adopted home since 1977, will receive an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree and speak during the ceremony.