RADFORD -- Best-selling author John Feinstein will deliver the keynote address at Radford University’s spring 2008 commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 3.

“There are few things I enjoy more than having the chance to speak at a graduation ceremony. I always feel as if my audience -- the graduates -- is more willing to listen, more open to ideas that might be a little off the wall,” said Feinstein. “They always seem to come up with questions after the ceremony is over that force me to think before I answer. Needless to say, I’m thrilled to be invited to speak at Radford’s 2008 commencement and I’m very much looking forward to May 3rd.”

Feinstein, a 1977 Duke University graduate, worked for the Washington Post for 11 years as both a political and sports reporter. He has also worked for Sports Illustrated and at the National Sports Daily. He is the author of several best-selling books, including A Season on the Brink, A Good Walk Spoiled, A Civil War, The Last Amateurs and The Punch.

Feinstein is currently a commentator on National Public Radio and Sporting News Radio and an essayist for CBS Sports. He writes columns for AOL and Golf Magazine, and contributes to the Washington Post. 

He lives in Potomac, Md., and Shelter Island, N.Y., and is the father of two children.

“John Feinstein’s lucid writing and commentary on American culture and sports mark him as a natural for a university commencement,” said RU President Penelope Kyle. “We’re delighted and honored to have him.”

Feinstein will speak at a ceremony celebrating the graduation of nearly 2,000 students before an audience typically numbering about 10,000.

The traditional processional will begin at 10 a.m. on Moffett Field. Individual college ceremonies will take place in separate locations following the main ceremony. Graduate Hooding Ceremonies will be at 8 a.m. in Preston Hall’s Bondurant Auditorium.

Seating is limited and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. For the main ceremony, guests are encouraged to arrive early. Graduates will line up and the RU Wind Symphony will begin performing at 9:30 a.m.

For more information, please see Spring 2008 Commencement.