Watch the Live Web Stream of Alma Commencement
A United States senator from Michigan and a 30-year banking executive recognized for his community-focus service will receive honorary degrees during Alma College’s 2012 commencement ceremony.
Sen. Debbie Stabenow, who will deliver the commencement address to approximately 320 graduation candidates, will receive an honorary Doctor of Laws degree. David Provost, president and chief executive officer of Talmer Bank and Trust, will receive an honorary Doctor of Letters degree.
Commencement takes place at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 21 in the Hogan Center, Art Smith Arena. A baccalaureate service precedes graduation at 10:30 a.m. in Dunning Memorial Chapel. The weekend commencement schedule also includes the annual senior dinner and department receptions.
The ceremony will be streamed live on the Alma College Website.
“Sen. Stabenow grew up in mid-Michigan and has become one of our state’s most accomplished leaders,” says Alma College President Jeff Abernathy. “She is a leading voice in Congress on issues related to jobs, manufacturing, agriculture and energy. Sen. Stabenow also has been a strong advocate for higher education and providing opportunities for students to attend college.”
Debbie Stabenow
A champion for Michigan’s Great Lakes and waterways, Sen. Stabenow holds membership on several important Congressional committees. She is chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee and serves on the Finance, Energy and Budget Committees.
She is a native of Clare, where her family ran the local Oldsmobile dealership and her mother worked as a nurse at the local hospital. She has bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Michigan State University.
Provost, a 1976 graduate of Alma College and past chair of the Board of Trustees, heads one of Michigan’s fastest growing banks with current assets of approximately $2.3 billion and 52 banking offices in Michigan and Wisconsin.
“Dave Provost is driven by the desire to serve others and solve problems,” says Abernathy. “He has enjoyed tremendous professional success, implementing strategies that have saved hundreds of jobs in Michigan and rejuvenated local economies. He is one of many distinguished alumni who illustrate the powerful impact our graduates have in their professions and communities.”
David Provost
The son of Presbyterian missionaries, Provost was named one of Crain’s Detroit Business 2010 Newsmakers of the Year. In 2006 he was awarded the Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year in the Central Great Lakes Financial Services division. He also received the 2007 Yeshiva Beth Yehudah Outstanding Leadership Award.
He earned his MBA from Eastern Michigan University and graduated from the University of Wisconsin School of Banking.
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Posted: Thu, April 12th, 2012 at 8:01AM
