Rep. Yvette D. Clarke (D-NY) delivered the commencement address for the graduating class of 2009 at St. Francis College. Clarke, a Brooklyn native and product of the New York City public school system also received an honorary doctorate law degree from the college.

“I am honored to receive this honorary degree from St. Francis, a historically rich institution, that is not only committed to academic excellence, but is also just as committed to diversity,” said Rep. Clarke.   “The students of St. Francis College hail from 80 countries throughout the world.   It is a privilege and honor to share in this day with all of the graduates and to be acknowledged for the work I have done for my community while in Congress.  I feel blessed.”

More than 300 students received their undergraduate degrees along with St. Francis College’s second class of accounting graduate students at the New York Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge.  For friends and family members who were not able to attend, the ceremony has been recorded and can be found on the internet.

Rep. Clarke represents the 11^th Congressional District which includes Brownsville, Crown Heights, East Flatbush, Flatbush, Windsor Terrace, Borough Park, Sunset Park, Carroll Gardens, Kensington, Park Slope, Prospect Heights,  Prospect-Lefferts Gardens and Prospect Park. This is her second term in Congress.  

Rep. Clarke was recently appointed Chairwoman of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity and Science and Technology for the 111^th Congress.  She also serves as the Whip for the Congressional Black Caucus, the Senior Whip for the Democratic Caucus, and has recently been selected to serve as a board member for the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation.

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