Congressman Boucher to Deliver 33rd Commencement Address May 18

U.S. Rep. Rick Boucher, the veteran congressman who has been at the forefront of telecommunications and technology policy issues, will deliver the keynote address during the 33rd commencement ceremony at The University of Virginia's College at Wise on Saturday, May 18.

More than 230 students are expected to take part in the ceremony, which begins at 11 a.m. on the lawn adjacent to Fred B. Greear Gymnasium. The public is invited to attend.

Now serving his tenth term in the U.S. House of Representatives representing Virginia's Ninth Congressional District, Congressman Boucher is a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, serving on two subcommittees - Telecommunications and the Internet; and Energy and Air Quality, of which he is the ranking member. He also sits on the House Judiciary Committee, serving on the Courts, the Internet and Intellectual Property Subcommittee.

Since 1985, he has served as an Assistant Whip. Congressman Boucher originated the House Internet Caucus in 1996 and currently serves as one of two House co-chairman of the group. In that position he is a leading architect of federal policy for the Internet.

A native of Abingdon, Congressman Boucher earned his bachelor's degree from Roanoke College and his law degree from the University of Virginia Law School. He has practiced law on Wall Street in New York and in Virginia. Prior to his election to Congress, he served for seven years as a member of the Virginia State Senate.