Congressman, 5th District, Michigan, United States House of Representatives
Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters
2004
Citation:
Throughout your 40-year political career, you have distinguished yourself as an ethical, caring and responsive Congressman with an appreciation of Jesuit values and an unwavering commitment to providing the highest quality educational opportunities for students of all ages. Since 1976, you have served with distinction in the United States House of Representatives, currently representing Michigan's 5th Congressional District. In addition, you are a senior member of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce and a ranking member of the Subcommittee on Twenty-First Century Competitiveness. A native of Flint, you earned your undergraduate degree from Sacred Heart Seminary, your teaching certificate from University of Detroit and your master's degree from University of Michigan. After teaching for several years, you turned to politics and served for 10 years in the Michigan House of Representatives and two years in the Senate before being elected to the United States Congress. Dedicated to the advancement of education at all levels, from pre-school through college, your areas of focus have included improved teacher training, accountability for educational results, technology instruction, class-size reduction and school safety. Among your most significant accomplishments is the development of the Higher Education Bill, which makes a college education more accessible and affordable through the availability of low-cost government loans. In addition to your support of education, you have also demonstrated your interest in the environment and the betterment of the quality of life for all citizens as a member of the House subcommittees on National Parks, Recreation and Public Lands, Forests and Forest Health and Employer-Employee Relations. Your participation in community organizations includes the Urban League, Optimists, NAACP and Knights of Columbus. In recognition of your service in the United States House of Representatives and your leadership as an advocate for education opportunities and equality, the University of Detroit Mercy is proud to present you with the Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters Degree. Commencement, University of Detroit Mercy, May 8, 2004.