“It is a pleasure to welcome Congressman Oberstar to the Cambridge Campus,” says Dr. Patrick M. Johns, President of ARCC. “As a former teacher, he understands the value of education, and his work in the Eighth District gives him a perspective on the higher education needs of East Central Minnesota. In addition, Congressman Oberstar’s focus on economic development creates more job opportunities for our graduates.

“His mission as a legislator parallels our objective of preparing well-rounded citizens. He has been instrumental in the Active Living by Design program which is part of the trail system that runs along the Rum River, right outside of the college’s back door.”

Born in Chisholm, Minnesota, Congressman Oberstar graduated Summa Cum Laude from the College of St. Thomas in St. Paul in 1956, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in French and Political Science. He went on to earn a master’s degree in Comparative Government at the College of Europe in Belgium in 1957. After graduation, he taught languages in Haiti from 1959-1963, and then served as chief staff assistant to his predecessor, Congressman John Blatnik, from 1963-1974.

First elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in November 1974, Congressman Oberstar is the longest serving Member of Congress in Minnesota’s history. He serves as the senior Democrat on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and he is the former Chairman of Subcommittees on Investigations & Oversight, Aviation and Economic Development.

Anoka-Ramsey Community College also has a campus in Coon Rapids, Minn. The honorable Walter F. Mondale will provide the keynote address for the Spring 2006 graduates of the Anoka-Ramsey Community College’s Coon Rapids Campus.

For more information about Anoka-Ramsey Community College, visit www.AnokaRamsey.edu.