President of Strategic Initiatives to speak at 2006 National Capital Region commencement
Donald M. Norris, president of Strategic Initiatives, Inc., is scheduled to address the 2006 graduates of the Virginia Tech National Capital Region during the university’s commencement ceremony at 1 p.m., Sunday, May 14, at the Center for the Arts located at George Mason University in Fairfax, Va.
Approximately 150 National Capital Region students are expected to complete their degree requirements and participate in commencement ceremonies.
Norris founded Strategic Initiatives, Inc., a management consulting firm based in Herndon, Va., 15 years ago. His clients have included a blue-chip roster of corporations, colleges and universities, associations, and other non-profit organizations. Norris has authored 16 books and monographs, as well as dozens of articles and presentations. He is a recognized thought leader in organizational transformation and leading and navigating through times of change.
Norris received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Virginia Tech and his doctorate degree from the University of Michigan. As a student, he was a member of several honor societies, including Phi Eta Sigma, Tau Beta Pi (engineering), Omicron Delta Kappa (leadership), Phi Kappa Phi, and Beta Gamma Sigma (business). He was also president of the Student Government Association and Campus Man of the Year in 1970.
After graduation, Norris served as a researcher and administrator at multiple universities including the University of Texas at Austin, the University of Michigan, Virginia Tech, and the University of Houston. In 1994, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Award by the Society for College and University Planning; and in 1995, Norris became a Senior Fellow at the Institute for Educational Transformation at George Mason University, and was later named a Senior Fellow at the La Jolla Institute.
Virginia Tech has fostered a growing partnership with the greater metropolitan Washington D.C. community since 1969. Today, the university’s presence in the National Capital Region includes graduate programs and research centers in Alexandria, Arlington, Falls Church, Leesburg, Manassas, and Middleburg. In addition to supporting the university’s teaching and research mission, Virginia Tech’s National Capital Region has established collaborations with local and federal agencies, businesses, and other institutions of higher education. Virginia Tech, the most comprehensive university in Virginia, is dedicated to quality, innovation, and results to the commonwealth, the nation, and the world.
