James L. Oberstar

Honorary Degree Recipient

Doctor of Laws

University of Minnesota, Duluth, May 13, 2000

A native of Chisholm, Minnesota, James L. Oberstar is considered as one of Northern Minnesota's most prominent citizens. He has made immense contributions to the region's economic and social vitality. Rep. Oberstar's outstanding record of public service includes serving as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Minnesota's Eighth District for 13 terms, as a chief of staff assistant to a U.S. House representative, as an administrator in the House Public Works Committee Staff, and as a civilian English teacher to military personnel. He has worked tirelessly to improve safety and efficiency for the traveling public. He has also helped the steel industry to recover and to compete in the global marketplace. In addition, Rep. Oberstar was instrumental in establishing the University of Minnesota Sea Grant program, which is housed at UMD. On the Twin Cities campus, he played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Center for Transportation Studies.

Biographies are as-of time of award presentation.