Senator Allen to speak at commencement
By Kelly Coniff, contributing writer
Posted on April 6, 2006

At this year’s spring graduation, Virginia’s Senator George Allen will deliver the commencement address.

“He’s a good friend of the university, which makes him a natural choice,” said JMU spokesman Andy Perrine.

In the past, JMU has welcomed speakers such as John Snow, the current Secretary of the Treasury, and former Virginia governor Mark Warner.

Senator Allen has represented Virginia in a variety of government roles. He has served as one of Virginia’s senators since 2001. He also served as the state’s 67th governor from 1994-’98. Allen was a U.S. Representative from 1991-’93 and served in the Virginia House of Delegates from 1983-’91.

In order to select a commencement speaker, a committee consisting of a broad range of students, faculty and administrators.

“They choose a speaker, and if they are available and affordable, we engage them,” Perrine said.

Although students recognize the prestige and importance of Allen coming to JMU, some feel as if they did not have enough choice in the selection process.

“JMU should be honored to have such a prestigious speaker at graduation,” said senior Rachel Heiser. “However, I feel like the senior class should have more say, especially because I feel like not a lot of people know who he is.”

Despite the trepidation of some students, Allen’s support and speech does not go unnoticed.

“We always like to have elected officials speak at commencement,” Perrine said. “He’s always been a supporter of JMU, dating back to his term as governor,” Perrine said.