April 28, 2010 — Virginia Gov. Robert McDonnell will speak Thursday at a Madison House event celebrating the service organization's 40th anniversary.

"A Legacy of Service," to be held at the University of Virginia Art Museum from 7 to 9 p.m., will honor University and local community members for their community service.

"This year it's an extra-special event," Ben Eppard, Madison House's director of communications, said.

U.S. Rep. Tom Perriello will introduce McDonnell, who will speak about the importance of community service.

"We will spend the evening reflecting on our history, as well as looking ahead to building the next 40 years," Executive Director Elizabeth Bass said.

Madison House – U.Va.'s student volunteer clearinghouse – will also hand out four awards. Susan King Payne will receive the Leading the Legacy Award; Cristine Nardi will receive the Shaping the Legacy Award; Brenda Isner will receive the Fostering the Legacy Award; and fourth-year students Jeremy Lambert  and Kiersten Leidal  will receive the Beginning the Legacy Award.

"The honorees have given their time and minds to facilitate students serving in the community and have gone above and beyond what is expected. We are lucky to have them as part of the Madison House community," said Marnie Coons, the student co-chair of the Board of Directors.

University students have volunteered more than 3 million hours in last 40 years through Madison House. More than 3,000 students volunteer each week.