Gov. Robert F. McDonnell to deliver Virginia Tech's 2010 University Commencement address
Continuing the tradition of inviting new Virginia governors to deliver the commencement address, new Virginia governor Robert F. McDonnell will address Virginia Tech's Class of 2010 during University Commencement exercises to be held on Friday, May 14, at Lane Stadium/Worsham Field.
The University Commencement ceremony will begin at 7:30 p.m. Additional commencement information may be found online.
“Since 1990, all new Virginia governors in their first year in office have graciously accepted our invitation to speak to Virginia Tech’s graduating seniors,” said President Charles W. Steger. “Gov. McDonnell has often expressed his strong support for higher education, and with his long and distinguished record of achievements in both the public and private sectors, I am very confident that his commencement address will provide great insight and inspiration to our graduating students."
McDonnell took office as the 71st Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia in January 2010.
He received his undergraduate education at the University of Notre Dame on a full Army ROTC scholarship. He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the university in 1976. McDonnell also holds a Master of Science in Business Administration from Boston University and a master’s degree in public policy and a law degree from Regent University.
McDonnell served 21 years with the U.S. Army, both in active duty and reserve units. He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1997.
Before being elected to the 84th District Virginia House of Delegates in 1991, McDonnell served as a business manager with American Hospital Supply Corporation, as a sales manager for the Virginian-Pilot newspaper, and was a prosecutor in the Virginia Beach Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office.
As a delegate, McDonnell rose to Assistant Majority Leader and Chairman of the House Courts of Justice Committee. During this time he also authored legislation and secured funding of Virginia’s Judicial Performance Evaluation Program, which guides General Assembly in reappointing judges. He also received numerous “Legislator of the Year” awards.
McDonnell served as attorney general from 2006 to 2009, before stepping down to run for governor. As attorney general, he enacted a 25-year mandatory minimum sentence for violent child sex predators, increased penalties for drug dealers, worked to protect Virginians from terrorist threats, safeguarded private property rights, reduced frivolous lawsuits, and made Virginia a national leader in combating internet crimes and identity theft during this time.
He and wife Maureen have five children.
