Louis J. Freeh, director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, will deliver the Commencement address at the University of Delaware on Saturday, May 29, before members of the graduating Class of 1999 and their families and friends.
"Louis Freeh will bring our graduates his unique perspective on the modern world," Sharon H. Dorr, director of alumni and University relations, said, in making the announcement. "His experience in government and in the judicial system should make for a compelling and thought-provoking speech."
Graduating seniors were asked to nominate potential speakers, and Freeh was one of those nominated, Dorr said.
The free public ceremony, which is held outdoors rain or shine, will begin at 9 a.m. in Delaware Stadium, located on South College Avenue in Newark.
Freeh, who was sworn in as director on Sept. 1, 1993, served as an FBI special agent from 1975-81 in the New York City field office and at FBI headquarters in Washington, D.C. In 1981, he joined the U.S. attorney's office for the southern district of New York as an assistant U.S. attorney, and he subsequently held positions there as chief of the organized crime unit, deputy U.S. attorney and associate U.S. attorney.
In May 1990, Freeh was appointed special prosecutor by the attorney general to oversee the investigation into the mail-bomb murders of federal Judge Robert Vance of Birmingham, Ala., and civil rights leader Robert Robinson of Savannah, Ga. Both were killed by mail bombs. The case became known as the VANPAC case, and, after extensive investigation, a suspect was apprehended, prosecuted and convicted. In 1991, then President George Bush appointed Freeh a United States District Court judge for the southern district of New York. He was serving in that position when President Bill Clinton nominated him to serve as director of the FBI in 1993.
Freeh has been recognized for several accomplishments, including investigations and prosecutions relating to racketeering, drugs, organized crime, fraud and terrorism. In 1987 and 1991, he received the Attorney General's Award for Distinguished Service, the second highest annual honor given by the Department of Justice. Other commendations include the John Marshall Award for Preparation of Litigation, awarded annually by the attorney general, and the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association Award.
A native of Jersey City, N.J., Freeh was graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Rutgers College, received his law degree from Rutgers Law School and holds a master of laws degree in criminal law from New York University Law School. He served as a first lieutenant in the U.S. Army Reserve.
Freeh and his wife, a former FBI employee, have six sons.
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For press release information, contact:
John Brennan/[email protected]/302-831-2072
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