Congressman Rush Holt to Address GW's College of Professional Studies Students at 2012 School Commencement Celebration


May 1, 2012

WASHINGTON — Congressman Rush Holt (D-N.J.) will address the graduating class of the George Washington University's College of Professional Studies (CPS) on Saturday, May 19, 2012. The school's commencement celebration will take place at GW's Lisner Auditorium, located at 730 21st St., at 7:30 p.m.

”As a physicist, it is always gratifying to witness a fellow physicist's participation and contributions to our political process,“ said Ali Eskandarian, dean of the College of Professor Studies. ”I am delighted that our graduates in the College of Professional Studies will be treated to a special graduation ceremony through the appearance of the Honorable Dr. Holt, congressman and physicist, as our graduation speaker this year.“

Rep. Holt has represented central New Jersey in Congress since 1999. He currently serves on the Committee on Education and the Workforce and the Committee on Natural Resources. Rep. Holt serves as the Ranking Member on the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources, in an effort to develop a long-term strategy to decrease the United States' dependence on fossil fuels. From 2007 to 2010, Rep. Holt was the chairman of the Select Intelligence Oversight Panel. Created at the start of the 110th Congress in January 2007, the panel worked to strengthen oversight of the intelligence community by ensuring that policymakers receive accurate assessments, civil liberties are safeguarded and the intelligence community is protecting Americans.

”We are thrilled that Congressman Rush Holt has agreed to be the 2012 commencement speaker for the College of Professional Studies,“ said the Honorable Mark Kennedy, director of GW's Graduate School of Political Management, a school within CPS. ”Congressman Holt will both inspire as well as educate our 2012 CPS graduates.“

Rep. Holt has received numerous awards and citations for his work, including the Planned Parenthood Community Service Award, the Biotech Legislator of the Year and the Science Coalition's Champion of Science award. He is one of only two Members of Congress to receive a lifetime 100 percent rating from the League of Conservation Voters. Rep. Holt earned a bachelor's degree in physics from Carleton College in Minnesota and completed his master's degree and Ph.D. at New York University.

”It's always an exciting opportunity to speak to students who will one day be thought leaders and forces for positive change,“ said Congressman Holt. ”I wish the class of 2012 the best of luck in the endeavors they pursue after graduating from the George Washington University.“

The George Washington University's College of Professional Studies offers undergraduate and graduate programs that address the needs, lifestyles and competency requirements of adult learners and working professionals in emerging and rapidly changing professions. CPS programs combine the expertise of university faculty with that of outside partners including government agencies, professional associations, consulting organizations and business and industry leaders.

For more information about GW's College of Professional Studies, visit http://cps.gwu.edu