As the class of 2009 prepares to receive their diplomas in just a few short weeks, Congressman Bart Stupak (D, Mich.) is preparing to receive a degree of his own.

Stupak will receive an honorary Doctor of Laws degree when he gives his commencement address on May 2 for 2009 graduates.

Stupak was chosen last year to receive the award by the Honorary Degree Committee, according to its chairwoman, NMU Provost Dr. Susan Koch.

“Congressman Bart Stupak is receiving the NMU Honorary Degree in recognition of his outstanding contributions in public service,” Koch said. “Bart has been a strong advocate for and conscientious supporter of Northern Michigan University for many years, and the NMU community is honored to recognize his achievements with the highest honor that the university gives.”

One way in which Stupak has recently supported Northern is his work with the United States Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development Program, which gave a $633,231 grant to the university thesis fall for the transition to digital television at WNMU-TV.

Previous honorary degree recipients include secretary, treasurer and owner of CableAmerica Corp. Gloria Jackson, who graduated from NMU in 1968, gave the December 2008 commencement address and was granted an honorary Doctor of Business degree.

Stupak was elected in 1992 to represent Michigan’s 1st Congressional District in the House of Representatives.