Robert Milton Huffaker, a native of Wayne County, Ky., has an over 50-year career as a distinguished physicist, company founder and CEO, and philanthropist. After earning a Bachelor of Science in physics and pursuing graduate studies at UK, Huffaker worked at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center for 15 years.

The University of Kentucky Board of Trustees approved honorary degrees to be presented at the May Commencement to professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering and NASA researcher Vijay K. Dhir, as well as biology professor and president of the University of Iowa, Sally Mason