Congressman Peter King to Deliver C.W. Post Commencement Address

April 29, 2003 - Congressman Peter T. King -- a recognized advocate for working families and senior citizens -- will receive an Honorary Doctorate of Laws and deliver the keynote address at the 45th annual commencement exercises of the C.W. Post Campus of Long Island University in Brookville, New York. King will address a graduating class of 1,600 undergraduate and graduate students and more than 6,000 guests at the Sunday, May 11, 2003 ceremony, which begins at 9:30 a.m. on the campus' Great Lawn.

Rep. King won election to the Hempstead Town Council in 1977, a victory that would pave the way for a distinguished career in politics and more than a quarter of a century of service to the citizens of Long Island. Now, as a sixth-term congressman representing New York's Third District, Rep. King is a proponent of tax relief for the working class. He also has pledged to safeguard Social Security and Medicare, and to strengthen the national defense. He currently sits on the Financial Services, International Relations and Homeland Security Committees on Capitol Hill.

His record reflects his efforts to enhance the quality of life on Long Island. Successful legislative initiatives include securing the votes to pass the first-ever federal study of the high rate of breast cancer on Long Island and winning approval for a plan to rebuild storm-damaged beaches on the South Shore. He also leads the movement to construct the LIRR East Side Access Tunnel, which would allow Long Island commuters to travel directly into Grand Central Station.

Prior to being elected to the U.S. Congress, Rep. King held the office of Nassau County comptroller for three terms. He also boasts extensive experience as a practicing attorney and as a community leader. His efforts have been recognized with awards and honors from various civic groups, including the Reserve Officers Association, the Knights of Columbus, the Civil Service Employees Association and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Rep. King will receive his honorary doctorate along with two other highly accomplished individuals: journalist Robert A. Caro, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of such books as "The Power Broker: Robert Moses and the Fall of New York" and "The Years of Lyndon Johnson;" and Dr. Maxine Greene, a preeminent American philosopher of education and professor emerita of Columbia University's Teachers College. Honorary doctorates are awarded to individuals who, through their perseverance, dedication to their field, and commitment to community, serve as role models to students.

The C.W. Post Campus, a private, co-educational institution of higher learning, has awarded more than 85,000 degrees in its 49-year history. The Class of 2003 includes 708 baccalaureate degree candidates, 889 master's degree candidates, two doctoral students receiving the Psy.D. in clinical psychology and three doctoral students receiving the Ph.D. in information studies.

C.W. Post is one of six campuses of Long Island University, the seventh largest private university in the United States. With more than 13,000 full- and part-time students, C.W. Post offers a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs in accountancy, business (AACSB accredited), computer science, liberal arts and sciences, library and information science (ALA accredited), education, health professions and nursing, public service, and visual and performing arts. C.W. Post also offers an extensive continuing education program.