27 April 2005

U.S. Sen. George Allen to be speaker for Longwood commencement on May 14

U.S. Sen. George Allen (R-Virginia) will be the speaker for Longwood University's commencement on Saturday, May 14, at 9:30 a.m. on Wheeler Mall.

A total of 827 bachelor's degrees and 134 master's degrees are expected to be awarded. This includes students who completed degree requirements last August and December and this May.

Allen, who has served in the U.S. Senate since 2001, chairs the Senate High Tech Task Force, chaired the National Republican Senatorial Committee in 2003-2004 and is a member of several Senate committees, including the influential Senate Foreign Relations Committee. He was Virginia governor from 1994-1998, a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from 1991-1993 (elected in a special election) and a member of the Virginia House of Delegates from 1983-1991, representing the Charlottesville area.

He has worked in the Senate to strengthen and support America's national defense and homeland security, to increase the competitiveness of Virginia and the country for investment and quality jobs, to advocate and embrace policies to make America a leader in the advancement of technology, and to reduce the tax burden on families and small business owners.

As governor, Allen won recognition for implementing rigorous academic standards and accountability, overhauling the juvenile justice system, abolishing parole for felons, and work-oriented welfare reform. Budgets proposed by Governor Allen included $9.1 million for the renovation of the former Ruffner Hall, some $1.5 million for equipment and furnishings for Hiner Hall, and he helped to facilitate interest-free funding for the installation of sprinklers in Longwood's two high-rise residence halls, Curry and Frazer.

If it rains, the ceremony will be moved to Willett Hall, where each graduate will be allowed two guests who must have rain tickets to be seated. Anyone without a ticket may go to Jarman Auditorium, where there will be a closed circuit viewing. For more information, visit www.longwood.edu/commencement/.