National Capital Region Commencement speakers (1981 to 2012)
The following individuals delivered the National Capital Region Commencement address at Virginia Tech (dating back to 1981):
2012: Laura Fornash, Secretary of Education for the Commonwealth of Virginia
2011: Wayne Clough, Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution and former professor and dean of the College of Engineering at Virginia Tech
2010: Steve Gladis, president and CEO of Steve Gladis Communications
2009: Shelley Duke, Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center Council chairperson, Virginia Tech Board of Visitors Research Committee chairperson
2008: Pierre Thomas, ABC News senior justice department correspondent
2007: Jim Moran, U.S. Congressman
2006: Donald M. Norris, president, strategic initiatives
2005: Claire M. Fraser, president and director, Institute for Genomic Research
2004: Lawrence J. Korb, senior fellow, Center for American Progress
2003: Belle S. Whelan, secretary of state for education, Commonwealth of Virginia
2002: Mark McNamee, provost, vice president for academic affairs, Virginia Tech
2001: Charles W. Steger, president, Virginia Tech
2000: Vinton G. Cerf, senior vice president for internet architecture and technology, MCI WorldCom
1999: Daniel A. Domenech, superintendent, Fairfax County Schools
1998: George C. Newstrom, corporate vice president EDS
1997: Peggy Fox, anchor and reporter, WUSA9
1996: Donald S. Beyer Jr., lt. governor, Commonwealth of Virginia
1995: Thomas M. Davis, U.S. Congress
1994: Leonard K. Peters, vice provost for research and dean of Virginia Tech Graduate School
1993: John Eaton, interim dean of Virginia Tech Graduate School
1992: Charles W. Steger, interim vice president public service dean of architecture, Virginia Tech
1991: Gary R. Hooper, vice provost for research and dean of Virginia Tech Graduate School
1990: E. Fred Carlisle Sr., vice president and provost, Virginia Tech
1989: James D. McComas, president, Virginia Tech
1988: John M. Perry, executive vice president, Virginia Tech
1987: Dr. William E. Lavery, president, Virginia Tech
1986: G. Truman Ward, partner and principal, Ward Hall and Associates
1985: Robert H, Pry, president, Center for Innovative Technology, Virginia Tech
1984: Roger A. Teekell, dean of Virginia Tech Graduate School
1983: David P. Roselle, dean of research and graduate studies, Virginia Tech
1982: William E. Lavery, president, Virginia Tech
1981: John D. Wilson, provost, Virginia Tech
