Kaine Tells VCU Graduates "We are counting on you"

By Tom Gresham

Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine told the newest Virginia Commonwealth University graduates at commencement on Saturday that their efforts would be critical to helping the United States surmount the economic, diplomatic and environmental challenges it now faces.

"We need your skills, we need your energy and we need your optimism," said Kaine, who was sworn in as Virginia's 70th Governor in 2006. "We are counting on you."

Kaine lauded the graduates for their commitment to service, noting that Virginia's rate of volunteerism among college students was the highest in the country, and emphasized the impact improved higher education opportunities have made in the state over the past 50 years, particularly in driving gains in Virginia's median income relative to the rest of the U.S.

Kaine also highlighted $1.6 billion in infrastructure improvements the state has committed to community colleges and four-year colleges across Virginia to maintain that focus on higher education.

"There is no greater act of optimism than investing in young people and expanding their opportunities," Kaine said.

Students received professional, graduate and undergraduate degrees during the ceremony at the Richmond Coliseum. The graduating class of more than 3,800 students represented 109 counties and cities across Virginia, 38 of the 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and 37 countries.

"The real test of our success as an institution of higher education is seen through your success," said VCU President Eugene P. Trani, Ph.D. "My wish for all of you is that you indeed realize your full potential, and, in so doing, find a means of contributing back to society in a way that is meaningful to you."

At the ceremony, Kaine and Jonathan B. Perlin, M.D., Ph.D., each received honorary doctor of humane letters degrees. The award, which is VCU's highest form of recognition, acknowledges those who have made outstanding contributions to society through scholarship, humanitarianism, science, art and public service.

Prior to becoming governor, Kaine served four terms on the Richmond City Council, starting in 1994, including two terms as the city's mayor, and served a term as Virginia's lieutenant governor, starting in 2001.

Perlin, a three-time VCU alumnus, is chief medical officer and president of the clinical services group of Hospital Corporation of America. Before joining HCA in 2006, Perlin served as undersecretary for health in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. As the senior-most physician in the federal government and CEO of the Veterans Health Administration, Perlin led the nation's largest integrated health system.

In addition, the Hon. Benjamin J. Lambert, III, a longtime state senator, and Michael Fraizer and Elizabeth Royer Fraizer, who funded the creation of the Mary and Frances Youth Center on the VCU campus, each received the Edward A. Wayne Medal, which recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions or provided exemplary service to VCU.

Harold J. Fallon, M.D., a former chair of the Department of Internal Medicine at the VCU School of Medicine, and William E. Blake, Jr., Ph.D., professor emeritus in the VCU Department of History, each received the Presidential Medallion for their extraordinary achievement in learning and commitment to the mission of VCU.