The Ford School is honored to welcome U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) as the keynote speaker at the 2025 spring commencement for approximately 180 graduating BA, MPP, MPA, and PhD students.
Senator Slotkin was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2024 after serving three terms in the U.S. House of Representatives. As a proud lifelong Michigander, she is the youngest Democratic woman currently serving in the Senate. From 2019 to 2025, Slotkin represented Michigan’s 7th Congressional District, earning a reputation for her thoughtful leadership and bipartisan approach to policy making. Currently, Slotkin serves on the Armed Services, Homeland Security, Agriculture, and Veterans committees.
Before her congressional career, Slotkin established herself as a respected national security expert, holding key positions at the White House under both Presidents Bush and Obama. Her focus on national security, defense, and healthcare, combined with her dedication to addressing the diverse needs of Michigan’s residents, has earned her widespread recognition as a committed and effective public servant.
“Senator Slotkin has been a friend to the University of Michigan and to the Ford School, and we look forward to what she will accomplish in the years ahead. She has a valuable perspective on service and leadership that we know will benefit our graduates, students, and the wider Ford School community,” said Ford School Dean Celeste Watkins-Hayes.
Ford School commencement ceremonies will be held on Sunday, May 4, 4:00-6:00 p.m. at the Hill Auditorium and will be available to view via livestream.