Accepting an invitation from NMU President Fritz Erickson, U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow will serve as the keynote speaker at NMU’s May commencement.
“It’s truly an honor to be invited to speak at Northern Michigan University’s commencement,” Stabenow said in a university press release. “I’m looking forward to celebrating this special day with all of the graduates, their families and their friends.”
On Stabenow’s invitation, Erickson in September attended the U.S. Senate Democratic Rural Summit in Washington, D.C. with NMU President of Finance and Administration Gavin Leach to report on the status of the Educational Access Network (EAN).
“NMU is leading the way in Michigan to improve the quality of life for people in small towns and rural communities,” Stabenow said of the university’s EAN project, according to the press release. “I’m honored to support NMU’s innovative work to expand high-speed internet to students in the U.P. and northern Michigan.”
Michigan’s first female senator, Stabenow serves as the Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition & Forestry.
Stabenow has been an avid supporter of the EAN. The 2018 Farm Bill she coauthored devoted attention to increasing high-speed internet in rural communities.
“We are so pleased that Sen. Stabenow has accepted our invitation to address Northern graduates,” NMU President Fritz Erickson said. “She has consistently demonstrated support for the university’s efforts to secure wireless spectrum and expand its Educational Access Network across the Upper Peninsula, bringing high-speed internet to rural and underserved areas.”
Erickson said in the press release Stabenow is also committed to workforce development and filling the critical need for skilled employees.
Co-chair of the bipartisan Senate Manufacturing Caucus, Stabenow has been an advocate for developing and offering skilled trades programs in rural communities.
“Not every young person is interested in getting a four-year college degree. It’s important that they know there are great jobs in professional skilled trades and technical careers,” Stabenow said at a workforce discussion she hosted at the Jacobetti Complex in September 2017.
“As one of the few universities in the state that offers programs from the one- and two-year certificate/diploma level up to a doctorate, Northern is proud to be an educator of employees for all types of professions and to provide training at all levels as employees advance through their careers,” NMU President Fritz Erickson said at the event.
Stabenow also plays a role in Great Lakes conservation as Co-chair of the Senate Great Lakes Task Force and as a member of the Senate Budget Committee. Stabenow served 12 years in the State House and four years in the State Senate before representing Michigan’s Eighth Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives for two 2-year terms. In 2000, she became the first woman from Michigan elected to the U.S. Senate.
Winter commencement is scheduled for Wednesday, May 4; the ceremony begins at 10:30 a.m. in the Superior Dome.
