Rep. Van Hollen is December Commencement Speaker :: University Communications Newsdesk, University of Maryland


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For Immediate Release
December 2, 2004
Contacts: David Ottalini, 301 405 4076 or dottalin@umd.edu

Rep. Van Hollen is December Commencement Speaker

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Congressman Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) will be the featured speaker during this month's Commencement exercises at the University of Maryland.

Read Rep. Van Hollen's speech to the graduates.

"Congressman Van Hollen is an excellent choice, " says Maryland President C.D. Mote Jr. "His understanding of the importance of education to the future of our State and its people has been the hallmark of his rhetoric and action. He is a true friend of the University. I look forward to his counsel for our graduates and for our entire University community."

Rep. Van Hollen just won his second term serving the 8th Congressional District of Maryland, which covers parts of Prince George's and Montgomery Counties. Called one of the "rising stars" in Congress by the Roll Call Newspaper, Van Hollen has been recognized for his leadership on issues ranging from education to renewable energy, tax reform and protection of the Chesapeake Bay.

"I am proud that I will be able to share in this important moment in the lives of these graduates," said Van Hollen. "As a long-time supporter of efforts to improve access to higher education for all students, it is a privilege to be a part of the commencement ceremony at this fine university."

The 8th District Congressman has visited the Maryland campus many times. In 2002 he was recognized on campus for his support for Israel-U.S. relations and for Earth Day.

Van Hollen was chosen by a student Commencement Committe based on e-mail polls and talking to other seniors.

Committee Co-Chairman Stuart McPhail told the student Diamondback Newspaper, "We wanted someone with a name, who was important, who would really have prestige. Winter graduation is around the holidays, so we wanted someone in the area who would be here."

Before winning a seat in Congress in 2002, Rep. Van Hollen served in the Maryland General Assembly for 12 years - four in the House of Delegates and eight in the State Senate. While in the Assembly, Van Hollen authored landmark education funding legislation, the Patient Protection Act, the Clean Energy Incentives Act, the Chesapeake Bay Protection Act and was a key Senate leader in the passage of Maryland's gun safety law. The Washington Post called him "One of the most accomplished members of the General Assembly."

The son of a U.S. foreign service officer, Rep. Van Hollen has traveled the world. He is a graduate of Georgetown University Law Center and holds a Master's Degree in Public Policy from Harvard University's Kennedy School and an undergraduate degree from Swarthmore College.

The campus-wide commencement will take place in the Comcast Center at 7 p.m. on Saturday, December 18. Individual department and school ceremonies will be held the following day.

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