Best-selling political thriller author and University alum David Baldacci will return to Grounds May 22 to serve as the valedictory speaker for the class of 2010.
A 1986 graduate of the Law School, Baldacci - who was also the valedictory speaker in 2002 and the commencement speaker for the Law School in 2006 - was a particularly qualified candidate because he is "one of those speakers that's had enough time to experience life outside of the University," said Josh Lesko, chairman of the 2010 graduation committee. "He's written so many books, started his own foundation, and taken so many steps to making a name of himself in the country that he has a lot of advice to offer."
The graduation committee selects valedictory speakers after receiving student input at the end of the previous academic year, Lesko said. Students e-mail the committee with nominations and the reasons for those choices, and the committee then looks thoroughly into each nominee and makes a decision, he said.
Fourth Year Trustees President Sarah Elaine Hart expressed enthusiasm for the selection.
"The Fourth Year Trustees are excited to welcome Mr. Baldacci back to U.Va., and we are looking forward to hearing his speech at Valediction, our final gathering as a class while undergraduates," she said.
Baldacci was born in Virginia, where he still lives, just outside Washington, D.C., according to his official Web site. After graduating from the Law School, he practiced law in the nation's capital for nine years. As someone who began writing a young age, though, he found himself drawn to fiction and has published 17 novels, of which more than 90 million copies are in print worldwide. In addition to novels, Baldacci is the author of seven original screenplays.
He is also involved with several philanthropic organizations, including the National Multiple Sclerosis Society - where he serves as a national ambassador - and his family's own Wish You Well Foundation, which works to promote family literacy throughout the country by providing aid to educational programs.
The Valedictory Exercises will be held May 22nd at 11 a.m. on the Lawn.
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