For more information, contact Gary Kruchowski, (218) 733-7649, g.kruchowski@lsc.edu  or Janet Blixt, (218) 723-4743 or j.blixt@lsc.edu  

For immediate release:  May 1, 2006 

Commencement Scheduled for Lake Superior College Class of 2006 

(Duluth, Minn.) -- Lake Superior College (LSC) will recognize this year's graduating class at commencement exercises at the Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center (DECC) on Monday, May 22.  The event is scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. in the DECC Auditorium.  

More than 837 degrees, diplomas, and certificates will be awarded to members of the class of 2006.  Approximately 400 students are scheduled to participate in the LSC commencement exercises.  

"Commencement is a momentous day for our students," said Dr. Kathleen Nelson, LSC's president.  "It celebrates the completion of an educational goal and recognizes the beginning of life's next adventure.  Whether the next step is the start of a career or the pursuit of more schooling, the time they have spent at Lake Superior College will be remembered and valued.  We wish the class of 2006 well." 

Senator Tom Bakk will be the featured speaker at commencement. Bakk was elected to the Minnesota State Senate in November 2002.  Prior to his election to the Senate, Bakk served in the Minnesota House of Representatives for four terms.  A legislator since 1994, Bakk sees improving the standard of living for workers and their families as a key reason for serving in the Legislature.  He has worked diligently to bring more value-added jobs to northern Minnesota and is committed to continuing those efforts. His other legislative interests include education, environment and tax policy.   

In addition to his role as a legislator, Bakk is a labor representative for the United Brotherhood of Carpenters.  Working as a journeyman carpenter for 11 years, Bakk was elected to lead his union in 1987 - a position he still holds.  Since then he has served on many boards and organizations that seek to further the natural resource-based economy in Northern Minnesota as well as the quality of life.  Bakk is the past president of the Iron Range Building Trades and a former volunteer firefighter.  Currently he sits on the Arrowhead Economic Opportunity Agency (AEOA) Board of Directors and the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board (IRRRB). Most recently, Bakk was appointed by Governor Pawlenty to sit on the state's Workforce Development Council.  

With more than 5,000 students enrolled this spring semester, LSC is Northeastern Minnesota's largest two-year college and a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MnSCU) system.  LSC provides a wide range of programs and services, including liberal arts and science courses for transfer, technical programs intended to provide occupational skills, continuing education, and customized training for business and industry.  LSC is also the leader in Internet-delivered courses and programs in Minnesota.