Ohio Sen. to deliver U-M Law commencement address

Michigan Law alumnus Rob Portman, Ohio's newest Republican senator, is set to deliver this spring's commencement address at Law School Senior Day ceremonies May 7. Portman, a 1984 graduate who swept to victory in the Senate in 2010, will speak to graduates during ceremonies that begin at 2 p.m. at Hill Auditorium. "The University of Michigan Law School is a model for academic excellence, preparing our best and brightest young minds for challenging careers ahead," Portman said. "I feel honored as an alum to speak to the future leaders of our country as they prepare to take their next steps in life." Election to the Senate is only the latest of Portman's accomplishments. The Cincinnati native previously represented southern Ohio in Congress. He also served in two Cabinet-level positions, first as U.S. Trade Representative, then as Director of the Office of Management and Budget. His initial foray into public service -- following an internship with an Ohio Congressman during Portman's college years -- was serving as Associate Counsel and Director of the Office of Legislative Affairs in the first Bush Administration. He also practiced law at the Cleveland-based firm of Squire, Sanders & Dempsey, and was a partner in the Cincinnati firm of Graydon, Head & Ritchey when he was first elected to Congress. He serves on the advisory board of the John Glenn School of Public Affairs at Ohio State, as well as on the boards of several Cincinnati-area nonprofits. He also owns, with two of his siblings, the historic Golden Lamb Inn in Lebanon, Ohio, and he co-authored a book, Wisdom's Paradise, discussing the Shaker history of both the Inn and the State of Ohio. "With his broad base of experience, Senator Portman is sure to provide an inspirational commencement address for graduates who are curious about where their new Michigan Law degrees can take them," said Law School Dean Evan Caminker. "Clearly, if Senator Portman's experience is a guide, the answer to that question is -- anywhere." Published: Fri, Apr 15, 2011