Boyd Tinsley, violinist for the Dave Matthews band, former University student and local philanthropist, has accepted an invitation to speak at the Class of 2007 Valedictory Exercises.
"We were so thrilled and humbled that Mr. Tinsley accepted our invitation to speak," Graduation Committee Chair Moggie Bolton said.
Although the Class of 2007 Trustees makes the final decision about who speaks at Valedictory Exercises, the Graduation Committee explores options and recommends potential speakers to the Trustees, Bolton said.
The Committee was drawn to Tinsley because of his active philanthropic involvement in the Charlottesville community, Graduation Committee vice-chair Marissa Kessler said.
"We really wanted someone who could offer a unique perspective on things that are important to the Class of 2007," Kessler said. "Community service has been a meaningful part of the class's experiences at the University."
Tinsley's involvement in the Charlottesville community includes the Boyd Tinsley Foundation, which focuses on helping underprivileged youth in Charlottesville. Tinsley's community efforts also involve the Boyd Tinsley Tennis Program, which provides kids with tennis instruction and equipment as well as transportation to tennis lessons, Kessler said.
Tinsley also assisted in the founding of the Charlottesville-Albemarle Youth Symphony, Bolton said.
Tinsley attended the University in the early 1980s and continues to support the University.
"He attended U.Va. for two years, but then left to pursue other things," Bolton said. "He continues to remain connected to the University by helping to build indoor tennis courts to be used by the U.Va. tennis team."
Kessler and Bolton agree that Tinsley's attitude toward community service is what made him a perfect choice for Valediction speaker.
"He has such a heart for service," Kessler said. "He feels that if someone has a passion for something, then they should be allowed to pursue it no matter what."
"He also has a humble spirit," Bolton said. "The Class of 2007 has given so much to service and leadership that we felt they could really identify with Tinsley."
Valedictory Exercises will be held May 19, 2007. The event is specifically for fourth years but members of the public are welcome to attend.
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