State Senator David J. Valesky will be keynote speaker at Morrisville State College commencement May 18

State Sen. David J. Valesky will address Morrisville State College students during the college's 102nd commencement ceremony May 18 at 1 p.m. in the recreation center.



Valesky, who represents the 53rd Senate District, comprised of Madison County and parts of Oneida and Onondaga counties, was elected to the New York State Senate in November 2004.



He serves as the Deputy Leader of the Independent Democratic Conference, as the Chairman of the Senate Commerce, Economic Development and Small Business Committee, and also serves on the Local Government Committee.



A strong supporter of New York's agricultural business and longtime advocate for Morrisville State College, Valesky was instrumental in securing funding for the college's aquaponics greenhouse and equine rehabilitation center.



While in office he has sponsored several laws to promote investment in communities and encourage businesses to locate and stay in New York State.



Valesky is a member of the Aging; Agriculture; Banks; Education; Higher Education; Insurance; and Rules Committees, and is also a member of the Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus and the Rural Resources Commission.



A native of Oneida, Valesky earned a bachelor's degree in mathematics from the State University of New York at Potsdam, and a master's degree in political science from the University of Connecticut.