2012 Commencement Speakers 

10 am ceremony: Congresswoman Kathy Hochul
2 pm ceremony:  Distinguished Teaching Professor of History Bill Cook 

About Congresswoman Kathy Hochul

Hochul was elected to represent the 26th Congressional District in the May 2011 Special Election in Western New York. Currently, she serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Committee on Homeland Security. Prior to her election, Hochul served as Erie County Clerk - the highest ranking elected female in the county.

In 2006, with her mother and aunt, Hochul helped establish the Kathleen Mary House, a transitional home for victims of domestic violence. She currently serves on its board of directors

Born and raised in Western New York, Hochul has long-standing roots in the community. She graduated from Syracuse University with a bachelor's degree in political science and earned her law degree from Catholic University in Washington, D.C.

About Distinguished Teaching Professor of History Bill Cook

Bill Cook has taught at Geneseo since 1970 and was awarded the State University of New York's highest honor of Distinguished Teaching Professor of History in 1984.

In addition to the numerous courses he has taught and created at Geneseo, Cook has guided hundreds of students in learning experiences in Italy and Europe for nearly 40 years. Highly regarded as a world-class medieval historian, Cook has lectured and led courses for the National Endowment for the Humanities and other esteemed groups. He also is a prolific author of books and articles and has recorded numerous lectures for organizations providing educational materials for audiences outside of college campuses.

In 2003, Cook was awarded the Medieval Academy of America's first ever CARA Award for Excellence in Teaching Medieval Studies.