Spectrum - Volume 17 Issue 30 April 27, 1995 - Sgro to speak at Commencement

A non-profit publication of the Office of the University Relations of Virginia Tech,
including The Conductor , a special section of the Spectrum printed 4 times a year

Sgro to speak at Commencement

By David Nutter

Spectrum Volume 17 Issue 30 - April 27, 1995

Beverly H. Sgro, Virginia's secretary of education, will deliver Virginia Tech's 1995 Commencement address Saturday, May 13, beginning at 9 a.m. in Lane Stadium.

As dean of students and assistant director of student activities at Virginia Tech, Sgro was responsible for the evolution and expansion of student support programs. Throughout her university career, she was an advocate for students and their families.

Sgro was appointed by Gov. George Allen as secretary of education in January 1994.

Some 4,000 students, undergraduate and graduate, will be qualified to participate in the ceremony. In the case of inclement weather, an indoor ceremony will be held in Cassell Coliseum at 9 a.m.

"Since Dr. Sgro has worked so closely with so many students, we thought it appropriate that she address her students and wish them well on their way into their chosen careers," said President Paul Torgersen.

Sgro's roots to Virginia Tech run deep. She earned her master's and Ph.D. degrees at Tech. Her husband, Joe, is a professor and head of the psychology department.

Her son, Anthony, received his undergraduate and master's degrees from Tech.

"The Sgros are a wonderful example of the success of higher education in changing people's lives. I guess you could say they are a higher-education family," Torgersen said.