POET NIKKI GIOVANNI WILL BE KEYNOTE SPEAKER AT FRESHMAN CONVOCATION

Nikki Giovanni, world-renowned poet, writer, commentator, activist and a University Distinguished Professor at Virginia Tech, will be the keynote speaker at Old Dominion University's Freshman Convocation at 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 26, in the Ted Constant Convocation Center on Hampton Boulevard.

One of the most widely read American poets and the recipient of numerous awards and honorary degrees, Giovanni also remains a committed advocate for civil rights and equality. Her literary career spans nearly four decades, beginning with the publication of her first book of poetry, "Black Feeling, Black Talk," in 1968. Earlier this year, she published her latest collection of poetry, "Acolytes," and a short narrative titled, "On My Journey Now: Looking at African-American History Through the Spirituals."

In 2006, Giovanni was named the Virginia Press Women's Newsmaker of the Year and she will be among a small group of African American women who are recognized for achieving "firsts" in their respective disciplines during the opening night ceremony of the 2007 U.S. Open. Giovanni was the first recipient of the Rosa Parks Women of Courage Award.

Freshman Convocation marks the beginning of Monarch REVUE, ODU's two-week welcome program for new students. For more information about the ceremony, contact the Office of Student Activities and Leadership at 683-3446.