BOARD MEMBERS HONORED BY GILMORE

William M. Lechler and retired Marine Col. J. Jack Hilgers, both members of the Old Dominion University Board of Visitors, have received the Patrick Henry Award from Gov. Jim Gilmore for their service to the commonwealth.

"You have consistently demonstrated your steadfastness and fervor for good government based on the fundamental principles of individual liberty, equality and justice that were laid down by our nation's founders," Gilmore told the men in letters they received recently.

Lechler was appointed to the Board of Visitors July 1, 1996, and was reappointed to a second four-year term July 1, 2000. He currently serves as a member of the board's Institutional Advancement and Administration and Finance committees. He retired in 1998 as president and chief operating officer of Sumitomo Machinery Corp. of America.

Hilgers was appointed to the Board of Visitors July 1, 1998. He currently serves as a member of the board's Academic Affairs and Student Affairs committees. He holds two degrees from Old Dominion, a Master's in Urban Studies and a doctorate with concentrations in both urban services management and applied research. He retired from the U.S. Marine Corps in 1988 as an infantry colonel.

Both Lechler and Hilgers live in Virginia Beach.