Speaker faints during university commencement ceremony

John Norwood, via the University of Arkansas.
John Norwood, via the University of Arkansas.

FAYETTEVILLE -- A speaker at the University of Arkansas fall commencement ceremony lost consciousness and collapsed Saturday morning in the middle of announcing graduate names at Bud Walton Arena.

Professor John Norwood fainted and was taken to a hospital for observation, university spokesman Steve Voorhies said. It was a precaution, he said.

It temporarily halted the commencement ceremony, where about 1,200 students were graduating. The arena was full of family and friends, Voorhies said.

The ceremony began at 9 a.m. The emergency happened at about 10:15 a.m and delayed the ceremony for 15-20 minutes.

Norwood is an accounting professor at the Sam Walton College of Business. He has been announcing names at graduation for several years, Voorhies said.

NW News on 12/17/2017

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