ORONO — Two artists with long histories in the arts in Maine will receive honorary doctoral degrees from the University of Maine during commencement exercises this spring.

Best-selling author Tess Gerritsen and songwriter David Mallett will receive honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degrees May 10 at Alfond Sports Arena. Both will address students, as well. Mallett will speak at commencement exercises at 10 a.m., and Gerritsen will address the 2:30 p.m. ceremony.

Additional Photos

Author Tess Gerritsen will address students when she receives an honorary doctoral degree May 10 at the University of Maine. 2007 Press Herald File Photo/Jack Milton

Singer/songwriter David Mallett will receive an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from the University of Maine. 2009 Press Herald File Photo/John Ewing

Gerritsen, who lives in Camden, has published numerous suspense novels and is a best-selling author. Her series featuring homicide detective Jane Rizzoli and medical examiner Maura Isles inspired the TNT television series “Rizzoli & Isles,” starring Angie Harmon and Sasha Alexander. Her books have been published in 40 countries, and she has sold more than 25 million copies.

Mallett lives in Sebec and has a music career spanning four decades. His songs have been recorded by more than 150 artists, including Pete Seeger, Alison Krauss, John Denver, Emmylou Harris and the Muppets. His “Garden Song” has become an American folk classic.