The Fourth Year Class Trustees will announce today that they have chosen best-selling author David Baldacci as the valedictory speaker for graduation weekend in May.
Baldacci, a 1986 University Law School graduate and Virginia native, has published seven novels, six screenplays and numerous other short works. All of his books, which include "Total Control," "The Winner" and "Wish You Well," have been national and international bestsellers.
His first book, "Absolute Power," was made into a movie starring Clint Eastwood and Gene Hackman.
"The process [of choosing a valedictory speaker] began and ended very quickly this year," said Mike Webb, chairman of the graduation committee of the Fourth Year Class Trustees. "Last year's committee made the announcement in early December."
"We were lucky that one of our top prospects was able to come through immediately and so we didn't have to spend months and months looking," Webb said.
The fourth year trustees, who comprise the class council for the graduating class, choose the valedictory speaker from recommendations offered by members of the class and the trustee body. They then contact candidates and wait for responses.
"We had many recommendations for a female or ethnic minority valediction speaker. Although Mr. Baldacci is neither of these, he's an extremely unique speaker because of his young age. He will relate extremely well to all the students," Fourth-Year Class President Portman Wills said. "Baldacci expressed interest in soliciting topics and suggestions and themes directly from members of the class. I'd encourage fourth years to submit suggestions to Mike [Webb] or me."
The trustees plan to publicize the valedictory speaker's accomplishments. They hope to install a display at the University Bookstore of Baldacci's books and suggest that students give them to their parents for Christmas, Wills said. There also will be a free public showing of "Absolute Power" in the amphitheater sometime in the spring, he said.
"One of Baldacci's many appeals is that while many fourth years feel pressured into pursuing professional careers, he has achieved his success doing what he wants to do - writing - not doing what he's 'supposed' to do," Wills said.
Webb said the author's volunteer activities, especially throughout the state of Virginia, also helped put him at the top of the list of speaker candidates.
Baldacci works with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and the American Cancer Society. He also served in a large capacity on last year's Virginia Festival of the Book.
Baldacci will introduce his newest novel, "Last Man Standing," on Nov. 30 at the Barracks Road Barnes & Noble bookstore.
"The fact that [the choice of Baldacci] occurred so quickly just speaks for itself in terms of how high Mr. Baldacci ranked on our list and how much the class wanted him as a speaker," he said.
"I'm excited - I'm gonna read 'Last Man Standing' this weekend," Wills said.
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