West Virginia University will welcome home state native and alumnus John T. Chambers when he addresses graduates at May 13 commencement exercises. WVU s 132nd Commencement is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. at the WVU Coliseum.

Chambers, a native of Charleston, is president and chief executive officer of Cisco Systems, Inc. of San Jose, Calif., a worldwide leader in networking for the internet. He graduated from the WVU College of Business and Economics in 1971, the WVU College of Law in 1974 and Indiana Universitys Kelley School of Business in 1976. He currently serves on the WVU Foundations National Campaign Committee.

Prior to joining Cisco in 1991, Chambers worked for Wang Laboratories and IBM . In 1999, Chambers was listed as”Mr. Internet”by Business Week and”one of the 25 most powerful people in networking”by Network World . Last year, Worth magazine named him the No.1 CEO in America, and Industry Standard hailed him as one of the most influential people in the internet economy. In addition, he earned the United States Internet Councils Internet Industry Leader Award for 2000.

Chambers also will be granted an honorary degree during the WVU Commencement ceremony.

All entrances to the Coliseum will open at noon; tickets are not required for admission.

Degree candidates and faculty should enter the gate nearest to the location assigned to their college or school; extensive signage will provide on-site information.

Candidates for doctoral and professional degrees will receive their diplomas during the ceremony. Other degree candidates will receive their diplomas after the Commencement ceremony at a previously announced distribution point or at a college or school ceremony.

Special seating is available for guests with physical limitations as well as guests requiring the services of the signers on the platform by calling 304-293-2769.

Prospective graduates can order caps and gowns through the WVU Bookstore by calling Alicia Cayton at 304-293-7464.

For more information, including a complete list of individual college and school events, visitwww.wvu.edu/commencement/.