Troy University News

July 8, 2004

Contact:
Tom Davis or Russell Sellers : (334) 670-3196; tomdavis@troy.edu

Office of University Relations
253 Adams Administration
Troy, AL 36082
(334) 670-3196
(334) 670-3274 (fax)

Weldon to deliver commencement address at Troy University

   Approximately 225 students are scheduled to receive diplomas Aug. 6 at Troy University ’s summer commencement ceremony, with Birmingham businessman and author W. Edgar Welden delivering the commencement address.
   The ceremony will begin at 10:30 a.m. in Sartain Hall.
   Dr. Jack Hawkins , Jr., Chancellor, said Welden’s remarks will be of great interest to the members of the graduating class.
   “Edgar Welden is one of Alabama ’s leading citizens, making his mark in business, publishing and public service,” Dr. Hawkins said. “I am sure his insight will be very beneficial to the members of this graduating class.
   Welden has a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Alabama . He has been married to his wife, Louise Cleve Welden, for 38 years. They have two children and seven grandchildren.
   In 2002, Welden created the Birmingham Athletic Partnership, a program that aids the band and athletic programs of Birmingham ’s inner city public high schools. Welden serves as the partnership’s president.
   Welden is also chairman of the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame, a board member of the Alabama Humanities Foundation and a board member of the Crippled Children’s Foundation.
   Welden is a member of the Alabama Republican National Committee. He was elected in 1996 and re-elected in 2000 and 2004. Welden has also served as a member of the Alabama Electoral College, state chairman for Sen. Jeff Sessions’ campaign in 2002 and Special Events Chairman of Republican National Convention in Philadelphia in 2000.
   Welden has written a book titled “Time Out! A Sports Fan’s Dream Year,” in which he tells of his travels in 1997 as an avid sports fan. He attended 250 various sporting events and toured all 50 state capitols because of his interest in politics and history .