| John Engler dedicated his career to serving the State of Michigan. Elected to the House of Representatives in 1970, he was the youngest person in Michigan’s history to serve in that capacity. He has been an elected state official since that time, progressing from the House of Representatives to the Senate to Governor. As governor, he presided over a dramatic change in Michigan’s economic landscape and in the way that state government provides services. His able leadership has attracted national attention, both to him personally and the state and its citizens. Engler has been sensitive to the importance of education in preparing a workforce that is adaptable and ready to respond the rapid changes imposed by technology and a global economy. Just as Michigan has re-shaped its services to meet the needs of the state during a period of strong economic growth, Oakland University has been engaged in a transformation that blends our traditional academic strengths with a much more vigorous linkage with our community partners. Because state government plays a critical role in that process, and because of Engler's strong leadership , in 1998 OU honored Engler, by conferring upon him the degree of Doctor of Laws, honoris causa. |