Dr. William Robertson Returns to Alma Mater to Deliver Commencement Address at BSC’s 2019 Graduation Exercises
Dr. William Robertson, who served in an executive capacity in the administrations of five U.S. Presidents, will deliver the commencement address at Bluefield State College’s 122nd Graduation Exercises, May 11, 2019 at the Brushfork Armory. Nearly 300 students will receive degrees during the program
Dr. Robertson’s career has spanned more than six decades. He spearheaded a drive to raise funds for creating a Shenandoah Valley summer camp for mentally handicapped children and adults. The camp, near Roanoke, served more than 42,000 individuals with special needs during the four decades of its existence.
He later served in an executive capacity with the U.S. Department of State, and was appointed to then-President Richard Nixon’s committee on mental retardation, traveling to more than 50 nations during that time. He was appointed Peace Corps Director for Kenya and served on the staff of four U.S. Presidents.
More recently, Dr. Robertson returned to the classroom to teach in an inner city middle school in Tampa, FL, creating the program “Men of Vision” to mentor African-American youth at the school and support their pursuit of a college degree.
“We are thrilled and honored that Dr. Robertson will deliver the 2019 , commencement address,” observed Bluefield State College President Robin Capehart. “His legacy of service leadership and his passion for his alma mater are exemplary. His message to the BSC Class of 2019, their families, the College alumni, and the College community.
