New York State Agriculture Commissioner Patrick Hooker will deliver the keynote address at SUNY Cobleskill’s 91st spring commencement on Friday, May 22 at 1pm.
Mr. Hooker was appointed New York’s 26th Agriculture Commissioner in 2007. As commissioner, he oversees the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, addressing agricultural economic development, environmental stewardship, and food safety issues to ensure agriculture remains a significant contributor to New York’s economy and quality of life.
Mr. Hooker previously worked for New York State Farm Bureau serving as director of the Public Policy Division. He has also worked for the state legislature – first as Rural Affairs Advisor for the Assembly Minority Leader, and later as the Director of the Senate Agriculture Committee.
SUNY Cobleskill will be presenting retired congressman Michael McNulty with an honorary doctoral degree during spring commencement.
For more information on SUNY Cobleskill’s commencement exercises, contact the Office of Communications and Public Affairs at 255-5638 or visit www.cobleskill.edu/ commencement.