elegate Lionell Spruill Sr., D-77th, a member of the Virginia House of Delegates since 1994, will present the keynote address at Paul D. Camp Community College’s 41st commencement May 11 at the Regional Workforce Development Center in Franklin.

Born in South Norfolk, Spruill is a graduate of G.W. Carver High School and Norfolk State University. He was only the fifth person in 65 years to be awarded an honorary doctorate degree by Norfolk State University. For his distinguished and exemplary service to learning, he received the honorary doctor of laws degree. He is retired from Bell Atlantic Telephone Company, where he worked for 30 years.

“I am honored to participate in the graduation exercise at Paul D. Camp Community College,” he said. “I know personally how the hard work of achieving an advanced education can change your life, no matter what obstacles you may have to overcome.”

Spruill was a community activist, which led to his appointment to the Chesapeake Planning Commission, where he served as chairman. He was then elected in 1988 to Chesapeake City Council, where he served until being elected to the House of Delegates.

The father of four is a member of St. Joseph A.M.E. Zion Church, Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity Beta Lambda Boule’, and is the Most Worshipful Past Grand Master of the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Virginia.

He serves on the House of Delegates’ Privileges and Elections Committee; the Counties, Cities and Town Committee; and the Health Welfare and Institution Committee.

The 77th district includes part of Suffolk.