William S. Norman, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Travel Industry Association of America, will speak at West Virginia Wesleyan College’s Commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 4, 2003 at 10 a.m. in the Rockefeller gymnasium.

"I am very pleased that Bill has accepted Wesleyan's invitation and will speak at our 113th Commencement ceremony,” remarked President William R. Haden. “ It is especially gratifying to have one of our distinguished alumni share his global perspective and I look forward to hearing the words of wisdom he will impart to the 2003 graduating class as they prepare to enter the world beyond Wesleyan."

Mr. Norman is a 1960 graduate of West Virginia Wesleyan College, with a B.S. in Chemistry and Mathematics. He is currently a member of the Board of Trustees at Wesleyan.

He is also a graduate and the American University (M.A. in International Relations) and completed the postgraduate Executive Program at the Stanford University Graduate School of Business.

The Travel Industry Association (TIA) is the national umbrella association that represents all segments of the $584 billion United States travel and tourism industry in promoting and facilitating increased travel to and within the United States.

Norman has been president since he assumed the position on January 1, 1995. He has been a veteran of the travel industry since 1979.

He began his career in 1961 as a mathematics teacher in Norfolk, Va. In 1962, he was commissioned as a U. S. Navy officer, serving 11 years on active duty and 15 years as a Navy Reservist. While on active duty, he taught at the U. S. Naval Academy, served as a White House Social Aide, and was Special Assistant to the Chief of Naval Operations. He holds the U. S. Navy rank of Captain (Retired) and earned numerous military decorations including the prestigious Legion of Merit.

Following his stint in the Navy, he worked six years with Cummins Engine Company Inc., advancing to the key position of Vice President – East Division, where he was responsible for the sales and services of corporate products in the eastern United States.

In 1979, he joined the National Railroad Passenger Corporation, AMTRAK, and was eventually promoted to Executive Vice President at AMTRAK.

During his tenure, he increased corporate revenues over 300 percent through the execution of a strategic marketing plan and by introducing new business lines.

He and his wife Elizabeth reside in McLean, Va. They have two grown children, Lisa Renee’ and William II.

A baccalaureate ceremony will be held Saturday, May 3, with Dr. Jerome Del Pino speaking Dr. Del Pino was elected general secretary of the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry in the fall of 2001.