Fort Valley State University News July 28, 2010 State Commissioner offers major gift to FVSU Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tommy Irvin, a long-time friend and supporter of Fort Valley State University, has underscored his support in a special way. The longest-serving Georgia state official, as well as the longest-serving agriculture commissioner in the United States is marking his retirement from office with a major gift from his campaign account to the historic institution's scholarship fund. "I have felt a special connection to Fort Valley State since I first ran for Agriculture Commissioner back in 1970," Irvin explained. "I wanted to do good with the remaining funds in my campaign account, so I have transferred $50,000 in stock to aid students there. The law allows me to do this, and I am glad that I could." Irvin accepted an appointment to FVSU's foundation board in 2007. "I could not list all the ways Commissioner Irvin has come to our assistance, including his willingness to serve as a member of the FVSU Foundation board," said President Larry E. Rivers. "He is a friend in whom we take pride and for whom we wish the happiest of retirements." Irvin's term in office ends in January, 2011 after 42 years on the job overseeing farm and agriculture issues, fuel and measures, and food safety. He is credited with eradicating the boll weevil that once threatened the cotton fields, controlling livestock disease and serving as an ambassador for state agriculture. SANDRA M. PHOENIX Program Director HBCU Library Alliance sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org> www.hbculibraries.org<http://www.hbculibraries.org/> 404.592.4820 1438 West Peachtree Street NW Suite 200 Atlanta, GA 30309 Toll Free: 1.800.999.8558 (Lyrasis) Fax: 404.892.7879 www.lyrasis.org<http://www.lyrasis.org/> Honor the ancestors, honor the children. Register now http://www.hbculibraries.org/html/meeting-form.html for the October 24-26, 2010 HBCU Library Alliance 4th Membership Meeting and the "Conference on Advocacy" pre-conference in Montgomery, AL. The Pre-Conference and Membership meeting are open to directors and other librarians.