President Casteen Lands Hometown Speaking Gig
Retiring U.Va. President John T. Casteen III will return to his home region Friday to serve as the commencement speaker for Tidewater Community College.
During Casteen’s tenure, he helped broker a 2006 agreement in which the University guaranteed admission to graduates of the state’s 23 community colleges who meet certain academic requirements.
In May 2007, Audrey Catalfamo of Virginia Beach, Va., became the first student to graduate with a University of Virginia diploma through a groundbreaking partnership program between Tidewater Community College and U.Va. that allows TCC students and recent alumni to earn a U.Va. Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies degree while taking classes on TCC campuses.
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ekp | December 16, 2009 @ 12:42 pm
This is an incredible program, providing financial and educational support for struggling parents and students. Bravo, Mr. Casteen!
Gerald Cooper, A&S 1958; Curry 1969 | December 19, 2009 @ 9:15 am
John Casteen, more than anyone else in recent memory, has devoted his considerable talents and influence to making education available to students and adults in all walks of life—in Virginia and beyond. When he urges TCC graduates to “give back to those around you,” his own example speaks louder than his words.
Let’s hope that the state of Virginia may continue to benefit from Mr. Casteen’s wisdom and leadership—after he steps down at UVa in August 2010. Clearly we need him, and fortunately he doesn’t need us. His predecessor, Thomas Jefferson, used his retirement to start the University of Virginia; may John Casteen be similarly inspired to serve his state and nation.