By Laura Martinez Massie

Governor James S. Gilmore, III, delivers the keynote address at George Mason University's 31st annual Commencement on Saturday, May 16, at 10 a.m. in the Patriot Center.

A native of Richmond, Gilmore graduated from the University of Virginia (UVA) in 1971 and then volunteered for the U.S. Army. He was assigned to counterintelligence in what was then West Germany. While serving in West Germany, Gilmore was awarded the Joint Service Commendation Medal for service to NATO. After his Army tour was completed, he returned to Virginia, graduating from UVA's law school in 1977. Gilmore served as an attorney and small businessman for 10 years and was elected in 1987 and 1991 as commonwealth's attorney for Henrico County. He was elected attorney general in 1993.

For more information on Mason's 1998 graduation ceremonies, call the Commencement hotline at x34723.