Albion College is honored to announce that U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, who retired in December 2024, will serve as the keynote speaker for the Class of 2025 Commencement Ceremony, held Saturday, May 3, at 1 p.m. on the steps of the historic Kresge Gymnasium.

Senator Stabenow, who has long been a transformative leader and a dedicated advocate for Michigan, retired following a lifelong career in public service capped off by 24 years in the United States Senate.

“It’s truly an honor to be invited to speak at Albion College’s commencement this May,” she said. “I’m looking forward to celebrating this special day with all of the graduates, their families, friends and the wonderful Albion community.”

Her extensive career as a public servant includes a position on the Ingham County Board of Commissioners, where she became the first and youngest woman to chair the board. She was later elected to the Michigan House of Representatives, becoming the first woman to preside over the chamber, and then served in the Michigan State Senate. She went on to represent Michigan’s 8th congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives before being elected as the first woman to represent Michigan in the U.S. Senate, where she served four terms. In the Senate, she held key leadership roles, including chairing the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, and serving as the third-highest ranking Democratic leader in the Senate, chairing the Policy and Communications Committee.

Senator Stabenow’s distinguished career has been defined by a dedication to bipartisan collaboration and meaningful progress on national policy. She has been a trusted leader in the areas of sustainability and rural economic development, mental health and addiction treatment reforms, and played a leading role in reviving Michigan’s auto industry. As chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee, she led efforts to strengthen Michigan’s agricultural economy, creating opportunities for farmers, food entrepreneurs, and rural communities like Albion. Her leadership in the Farm Bill introduced vital conservation programs, such as the Regional Conservation Partnership Program, ensuring that environmental sustainability and economic growth go hand in hand.

A champion of the Great Lakes, Senator Stabenow authored the landmark Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, a program that has significantly improved the health of Michigan’s waterways and ecosystems. Her early legislative victories included securing a ban on oil and gas drilling in the Great Lakes, a critical step in protecting one of the state’s most treasured resources.

“Senator Stabenow’s remarkable career embodies the values of leadership, perseverance, and innovation,” said Albion College President Wayne Webster. “Her work to protect the Great Lakes and advance sustainable agriculture has had a lasting impact on our environment and economy. Additionally, her commitment to uplifting rural communities aligns with Albion’s mission of fostering economic and social progress. As a trailblazer in Michigan politics and a lifelong advocate for positive change, Senator Stabenow serves as an inspiring role model for our graduates as they prepare to embark on their own journeys.”

The 2025 Commencement ceremony will celebrate the achievements of Albion’s graduating class while honoring Senator Stabenow’s legacy of service. Other speakers who will highlight the ceremony include Albion College Professor of Philosophy Jeremy Kirby, who will provide the faculty farewell, alumni, and members of the senior class.

For more information about Albion College’s 2025 Commencement, visit albion.edu/commencement.