HOUGHTON--Senator John Schwarz of Battle Creek will be the featured speaker at Michigan Technological University's midyear commencement ceremonies Saturday, Nov. 20. He will also be receiving an Honorary Doctorate in Science.
Schwarz, a Republican, represents Michigan's 24th district, which includes Calhoun, Eaton, and parts of Ingham County. He received his Bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan and earned an M.D. degree from the Wayne State University Medical School. He served with the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam war and later worked with the Central Intelligence Agency in Southeast Asia. He has had a private medical practice and been a staff member of the Battle Creek Health System since 1974. He has also served as a Battle Creek City Commissioner and from 1985-1987 was mayor of the City of Battle Creek. He was elected to the Michigan State Senate in 1986 and has been reelected in 1990, 1994 , and 1998. Since 1993 he has been President Pro Tempore of the Senate.
Senator Schwarz also serves as vice chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, chairs the appropriation sub-committee on Higher Education, and is vice-chair of the sub-committee on Community Health.
Schwarz was chosen "Outstanding Freshman Legislature of the Year" for 1988 by the Detroit News and the same organization named him "One of the Ten Best Legislators of the Year" in 1992. Earlier this year he was named "Champion of Hope" by the National Kidney Foundation.
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11/15/99