Press Release

Patterson Receives Honorary Doctorate from Baker College

Pontiac, MI, June 12, 2006 -- Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson received an honorary doctorate of humane letters from Baker College during a commencement ceremony for some 80 graduates, their families and friends at the Cass City campus.

After donning his cap and gown, Patterson delivered the commencement address during which he talked about Oakland County's highly successful Emerging Sectors program.  Patterson pointed out the county's effort to attract the kind of cutting edge companies that will provide sustainable, high paying jobs for the future has generated $215 million in new investment and created nearly 2,600 new jobs over the past two years.

Baker College of Cass City invited Patterson to speak at the urging of Peter Christiano, city manager in Cass City, who is well acquainted with the County Executive's strong support for education and technology.

In past years, Patterson has addressed Genesee County business, governmental and community leadership on a variety of economic development initiatives, including Automation Alley of which Baker College is a member and provider of scholarships to students throughout the region who pursue certain career paths.

Baker College, with a total enrollment of 34,000 students at its 12 campuses and four satellite locations around the state, is the largest private college in Michigan.  It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

For media inquiries only, please contact Bob Dustman, Media and Communications Officer at (248) 858-1048.

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