David H. Wilkins to address Tri-County’s spring graduates
April 26, 2016
David H. Wilkins, former U.S. Ambassador to Canada (2005-2009) and longtime Speaker of the South Carolina House of Representatives (1994-2005), will deliver Tri-County Technical College’s spring commencement address.
The ceremony will be held Tuesday, May 10, at 6 p.m. at the Anderson Civic Center.
Approximately 637 students will be awarded degrees, diplomas and/or certificates during the College’s commencement. In addition to families and guests of the graduates, alumni and other friends of the College are invited to attend the ceremony.
At present, Mr. Wilkins is a partner at Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough, LLP and chairs the Public Policy and International Law practice group, which focuses on representing businesses on both sides of the U.S-Canadian border and offers experience on a wide range of strategic bilateral issues.
Ambassador Wilkins is widely credited with vastly improving the strength of the U.S.-Canada relationship during his service in Ottawa. Prior to his appointment as Ambassador, Mr. Wilkins practiced law for 34 years and has extensive experience in civil litigation and appellate practice.
He served as speaker of the South Carolina House of Representatives for 11 years and was a member of the South Carolina House for 25 years.
In July 2015, he completed six years as Chair of the Clemson University Board of Trustees (the maximum allowed) and remains an active member of that board, as well as a number of corporate boards, including Mattamy Homes, Porter Airlines Inc. and Resolute Forest Products.
In 2010, Governor Nikki Haley tapped Ambassador Wilkins to chair her transition team as she formed her new administration. He is a recipient of South Carolina’s highest award, the Order of the Palmetto.
A native of Greenville, Ambassador Wilkins received his B.A. degree from Clemson University and his law degree from the University of South Carolina School of Law. He also served in the U.S. Army and U.S. Army Reserves.
He and his wife, Susan, reside in Greenville. They have two adult sons and two grandchildren.
