FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SENATOR CHARLES R. HAWKINS

TO ADDRESS DCC GRADUATES

            DANVILLE, Va., May 3, 2005 - Virginia State Senator Charles R. Hawkins, a Republican serving the

State Senator Charles Hawkins

 19^th District of Virginia and Pittsylvania County  native, will be the speaker for Danville Community College’s commencement, Friday, May 13, at 7:00 p.m. on the grounds near the Hill Building. More than 400 fall, spring, and summer graduates will receive associate degrees, diplomas or certificates during the ceremony. In addition, scholarship recipients who will be continuing their education at four-year institutions will be recognized.

            A highlight this year will be “Project Graduation”, a national service program that is working to eliminate hunger and illiteracy, and is being sponsored by the DCC chapter of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK). The PTK members will collect donations of books and canned food which will be given area homeless shelters and literacy groups. Persons attending the DCC commencement are asked to bring non-perishable food items and books to donate for this project. Volunteers will be available at designated locations across the campus during commencement to receive the items. Phi Theta Kappa is the international honor society for community college students. This is the second year DCC students have participated in the program.

            Hawkins began his political career in 1981 when he was first elected as a Republican to the Virginia House of Delegates, representing Pittsylvania and Campbell counties and the City of Danville. Despite redistricting, he continued to represent Pittsylvania and Danville for 10 years until his election to the Virginia Senate in 1991. He currently represents Pittsylvania and Franklin counties, the majority of Campbell County and the City of Danville.

            Hawkins serves as chair of the Agriculture, Natural Resources and Conservation Committee and as a member of the Finance, General Laws, Privileges and Elections, and Rules Committees. In addition, he is active in several state commissions, including serving as chair of the Tobacco Indemnification & Community Revitalization Commission.

            For more information about commencement, contact that college at (434) 797-2222, or toll free at 800-560-4291.