Alumna Marcia Adams Gilliam to speak at

37th UVa-Wise Commencement May 20

Marcia Adams Gilliam ’82, CLU President, CSE Financial Services, Inc. Vice Chair, The University of Virginia’s College at Wise Board

Marica Adams Gilliam, a graduate of The University of Virginia’s College at Wise who has gone on to become president of CSE Financial Services, Inc., will deliver the keynote address during the 37th Commencement on Saturday, May 20.

The Class of 2006 includes 291 students, making this the largest graduating class in the College’s history. The public is invited to attend the Commencement ceremony, which begins at 11 a.m. at the Lawn by the Lake.

A successful businesswoman and active civic volunteer, Gilliam graduated from the College in 1982. The Norton native graduated magna cum laude with a degree in business and public administration while working full time and participating in a variety of campus organizations including the Student Government Association and Lady Cavaliers tennis team. She was the first member of her family to earn a college degree.

Gilliam has been a member of the UVa-Wise Board since 2000 and has served as vice chair since 2003.

“I feel very honored and humbled to be asked to speak at the Commencement for the Class of 2006,” Gilliam said. “I can still remember the excitement, enthusiasm and anticipation I felt the day I graduated and to share this memorable time in the lives of others is very special.”

Gilliam hopes her keynote address, “People Who Make a Difference,” will “encourage reflection and appreciation of the numerous people that touch and shape our lives.”

Gilliam began her professional career with an independent insurance agency in Big Stone Gap where she was the first woman to work as an outside commissioned agent for the 75-year-old company. She moved to Bristol in 1984 where she was a manager with Robert C. Boswell, Inc. for nine years. In 1993, she became a founding partner and president of CSE Financial Services, Inc., an independent life, health and employee benefits insurance agency with offices in Abingdon and Wise. She is also a partner in CSE Insurance Agency, Inc., the property and casualty insurance affiliate of CSE Financial Services.

She became a Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) in 2001. The prestigious designation is granted by the American College in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania to individuals who have completed advanced courses and exams in insurance, investments, taxation, and other specific areas.

In addition to her service as vice chair of The University of Virginia’s College at Wise Board, Gilliam is also co-chair of the UVa-Wise Campaign Cabinet. She is a member of the College’s Executive Board and a former member of its Foundation Board.

Gilliam is involved in numerous regional organizations. She is a member of the board of trustees of the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center in Abingdon, a member of the Committee of 100 for Girl’s Inc., an ambassador for Barter Theatre, a member of the William King Regional Arts Center Special Events Committee, and a member of the Junior League of Bristol. She is also very active in fund-raising efforts for the American Heart Association, the American Lung Association, the American Cancer Society, and St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

Appointed by former Gov. Jim Gilmore, she served a four-year term on the Virginia State Board for Community Colleges. In 1996, she was named “Boss of the Year” by the Insurance Women of Southwest Virginia and was a recipient of the “Tri-Cities Business Journal” “Forty Under 40” Award, which recognizes young leaders. The YWCA of Bristol acknowledged her volunteer efforts selecting her as a finalist for the 1998 Community Services Volunteer of the Year award.

Gilliam and her husband, Marvin W. Gilliam, Jr., live in Abingdon.