Fall Convocation opens Family Weekend

Family Weekend, held Oct. 13-15, begins with Fall Convocation, to be held Friday at 2 p.m. on the Lawn. Anita K. Jones, former director of the Pentagon's multibillion-dollar research program and University Professor of Computer Science, will be the keynote speaker.

For the past year, Jones has led the work of U.Va.'s Science and Technology Planning Commission, that will provide a blueprint for future growth at the University.

Jones, who joined the faculty in 1988, interrupted her academic career to become the Department of Defense's director of science and technology program from 1993 to 1997. In that position, she oversaw the science and technology program of the U.S. Department of Defense, with an annual budget of about $35 billion. She was the first computer scientist and the first woman to hold that prestigious position.

Convocation honors undergraduate students for their academic excellence, awarding them Intermediate Honors for earning grade-point averages of 3.4 or higher during their first two years at U.Va.

The Thomas Jefferson Award, given annually to a member of the University community who exemplifies in character and achievements the ideals of U.Va.'s founder, also will be presented.

Family Weekend also includes the University Forum, a public address by President John T. Casteen III on the state of the University, followed by a question-and-answer session. The forum will take place Oct. 14 on the South Lawn from 9:30 to 11 a.m.

Family Weekend comprises a variety of events, from performances to faculty talks, with schools and departments hosting their own programs. For the complete schedule, see http://www.virginia.edu/~family