The University announced Thursday that Ray Mabus, the United States secretary of the Navy, will deliver the Commencement address at Final Exercises in May.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to address the Class of 2014 and congratulate them for their years of hard work,” Mabus said in a University press release. “The principles of service and dedication to the search for knowledge learned at the University of Virginia will serve as a foundation for their success in life, and inspire them to be part of something larger than themselves.”
Mabus has held his position since 2009 and has since helped the Navy reduce its dependence on fossil fuels and dramatically increase its shipbuilding efforts — in the four years before he arrived, the Navy contracted 19 new ships, but since he arrived, 60 have been contracted.
Mabus also served as governor of Mississippi from 1988 to 1992 and as ambassador to Saudi Arabia from 1994 to 1996.
“This is a great selection for Final Exercises,” Sullivan said at Friday’s Board meeting. “Mabus will provide a great example for our students.”
Final Exercises will take place May 18. Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning will deliver the Valedictory address the day before.
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