David Baldacci.
Bestselling novelist David Baldacci, who received a bachelor’s degree in political science from VCU in 1983, will be the featured speaker at VCU's commencement ceremony Dec. 14. (Courtesy photo)

Nov. 12, 2019

David Baldacci to serve as featured speaker at VCU’s fall commencement

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By Tom Gresham

Bestselling novelist David Baldacci will serve as the featured speaker at Virginia Commonwealth University’s commencement ceremony in December.

Baldacci, who received a bachelor’s degree in political science from VCU in 1983, has published 38 novels for adults. All have been national and international bestsellers, and several have been adapted for film and television. His novels have been published in more than 45 languages and in more than 80 countries. He also has published seven novels for younger readers.

Baldacci and his wife, Michelle, established the Wish You Well Foundation, which supports family and adult literacy in the United States by fostering and promoting the development and expansion of literacy and educational programs. Baldacci, a former member of the VCU Board of Visitors, also has generously supported VCU, including making a $1.1 million gift with his wife in 2017 to establish a scholarship for political science students and to create a fund to provide students with experiential learning opportunities. He received an honorary doctorate from VCU in 2001.

VCU will hold fall commencement on Dec. 14 at 10 a.m. at the Stuart C. Siegel Center.