U.S. Treasury Secretary John Snow to speak at VCU's 2003 Fall Commencement

By Malorie Burkett and Pamela DiSalvo Lepley

RICHMOND, Va. – Virginia Commonwealth University announced today that U.S. Treasury Secretary John W. Snow will address graduates at commencement exercises at 10 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 13, at the Stuart C. Siegel Center, 1200 W. Broad Street.

Snow, former chairman and chief executive officer of CSX Corporation, also will receive an honorary doctor of humane letters during the ceremony.

“We are delighted that Secretary Snow has agreed to be our December commencement speaker,” said VCU President Dr. Eugene P. Trani. “He has made such a positive and significant impact on American life through both his career in business and public service. It’s an incredible opportunity for our students. They will most certainly benefit from his insights and experiences.”

Snow was nominated by President George W. Bush to become the 73rd Treasury secretary.  He was confirmed unanimously by the U.S. Senate and sworn into office in February 2003.

During Snow’s 20 years at CSX, he led the company through a period of change by refocusing on CSX’s core railroad business, dramatically reducing injuries and train accidents and improving the company’s financial performance.

His previous public service includes serving at the Department of Transportation as administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, deputy undersecretary, assistant secretary for governmental affairs, and deputy assistant secretary for policy, plans and international affairs.

A resident of Richmond, Snow received his undergraduate degree from the University of Toledo. He received a Ph.D. in economics from the University of Virginia, and graduated with a law degree from the George Washington University. Snow taught economics at the University of Maryland and the University of Virginia, as well as law at George Washington. 

VCU will award nearly 1,600 degrees to graduate, undergraduate and professional students during commencement activities. 

Fall commencement is a full cap and gown ceremony that honors students who completed their degree requirements in August and December. For more information on fall commencement, visit http://www.vcu.edu/commencement/.