PEMBROKE, N.C., April 17 -- The University of North Carolina at Pembroke issued the following news release:

UNC Pembroke will welcome Dr. John Herrington, a former NASA astronaut and member of the Chickasaw Nation, as the keynote speaker for its Spring Commencement ceremonies on May 8 and May 9.

Herrington will deliver the keynote address at both ceremonies and will be awarded an honorary Doctor of Science degree in recognition of his distinguished career in science, education and public service.

The graduate ceremony will be held on Friday, May 8, at 7 p.m. on the Quad between Livermore Library and Old Main. The undergraduate ceremony will also take place on the Quad on Saturday, May 9, at 9 a.m.

Both ceremonies will belive-streamed. ...