Newswise — Michigan Sen. Mike Prusi will be the keynote speaker and receive an honorary doctor of public service degree at Northern Michigan University's spring commencement on Saturday, May 1.

Prusi represents the state's 38th district. He is the Senate Democratic Leader and serves as Democratic vice chair of two committees: Senate Government Operations and Reform; and Hunting, Fishing and Outdoor Recreation. Prusi also is a member of the Legislative Council and the Senate Fiscal Agency Governing Board. He previously served three terms in the Michigan House of Representatives.

Prior to his legislative career, Prusi worked for more than 20 years as an iron ore miner for the Cleveland Cliffs Iron Company at various Marquette County mining operations. He was elected to three terms as president of Local Union 4950 of the United Steelworkers of America and also served on the executive board of the Marquette County Labor Council.

The NMU ceremony begins at 10:30 a.m. in the Superior Dome and will be streamed for free on the web at www.b2TV.com.