Henderson to Award Cabes Honorary Degrees at Fall Commencement
12/01/2025
Henderson State University will present honorary bachelor’s degrees in business administration to longtime supporters Anita Cabe and her husband, the late Charles Cabe, at fall commencement ceremonies Saturday, Dec. 13, in the Duke Wells Center in Arkadelphia.
Approximately 180 undergraduate and graduate students will receive degrees at 10 a.m. Doors will open for the general public at 9 a.m.
The Cabes will be honored for their longtime support of the Henderson.
“Anita and Charles have made significant contributions not only to Henderson but also have made an extraordinary difference in the lives of many throughout the State of Arkansas,” Henderson Chancellor Trey Berry said. “They represent the very spirit and values of Henderson State University — truly embodying its identity as the School with a Heart. Their legacy of love and service to Henderson stands as a lasting symbol of the transformative power of philanthropy and community leadership in higher education.”
The Cabes met at Henderson in 1964 and got engaged on what is now the site of the Charles and Anita Cabe Student-Athlete Success Center. They were married in 1967.
Charles, who was from Gurdon, Ark., served as president of Cabe Land and Timber Company, president of the C. Louis and Mary Cabe Foundation, and as a board member of the Horace C Cabe Foundation until his death in 2017.
Anita, who was raised in Marianna, Ark., has served as the secretary and treasurer for the C. Louis and Mary Cabe Foundation for more than two decades. She also served on the Henderson State Board of Trustees for 14 years, previously served on the HSU Foundation board, and currently serves on the HSU Board of Visitors in addition to board service with the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation and the Muses.
Dr. Steve Carter, professor of social sciences and director of Honors College, will give the faculty charge. The student response will be given by Taylor Vik, a music education major from Malvern.
General parking is available in the Formby Athletic Center lot next to the Duke Wells Center, and on the main campus with free shuttle service available at 12th and Wilson streets. Accessible parking is available in the south parking lot directly in front of the Wells Center. Handicap placards must be visible at the entrance to this area.
The ceremony will be live-streamed on Henderson’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/HendersonStateU. Additional information is available at hsu.edu/commencement.
