ROANOKE TIMES 

                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, March 27, 1991                   TAG: 9103270203
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV1   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: MADELYN ROSENBERG HIGHER EDUCATION WRITER
DATELINE: BLACKSBURG                                LENGTH: Short

VA. TECH GRADS TO HEAR KUWAITI AMBASSADOR

Virginia Tech has had a number of speakers about the Middle East since the conflict began in the Persian Gulf - people who spoke about the crisis, the war, and what the world can expect now that it's over.

The university's 4,000 graduates will another view on the subject May 4 when the Kuwaiti ambassador to the United States speaks at commencement.

His Excellency Shaikh Saud Nasir Al-Sabah will address the 119th graduating class beginning at 9 a.m. in Lane Stadium.

"The university is very honored by the acceptance of the Kuwaiti ambassador in this time of challenge and history and decision in his nation - and in nations of a world that looks to recovery and shared understanding," Virginia Tech President James McComas said in a news release.

"Universities clearly reflect that understanding; Virginia Tech has also reflected a tradition of service that has extended to the challenges of peace and of war. I am thus confident that the Class of 1991 will look forward to the inspiration and to the message of the ambassador to the United States from the State of Kuwait."

Al-Sabah has served in the U.S. since 1981, while acting as non-resident ambassador to Canada and Venezuela.

He formerly served as ambassador to the Court of St. James in Great Britain, and as non-resident ambassador to Norway, Sweden and Denmark.

The ambassador joined Kuwait's Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1969, representing his country at many international forums including the Conference on the Law of Treaties and the Law of the Sea Conference, where he was elected vice president of the conference.

He received his law degree from Gray's Inn, London, in 1968. 


 by CNB