Neil Bryant, an attorney, former legislator and longtime Central Oregonian, will present the key address at Oregon State University - Cascades 10^th Commencement.  Bryant is a shareholder in the firm of Bryant, Lovlien & Jarvis in Bend and has been a supporter of higher education in Central Oregon since 1993 through his work with the University Center, the Oregon University System, the Central Oregon Regional Advisory Board and most recently, the Higher Education Assessment Team of Central Oregon.

Bryant served as a State Senator from 1993 to 2001. He received the Outstanding Freshman Legislator Award in 1995 and the Outstanding Legislator Award from the National Republican Legislators Association in 1998.  He earned his law degree from Willamette University in 1973 and his bachelor’s degree from Pacific Lutheran University.  Bryant is a member and past president of Rotary and the Bend Chamber of Commerce, and past chair of the Bend Urban Renewal District and the Deschutes County Children and Families Commission. Currently, he serves on the boards of the High Desert Museum, Oregon Corrections Enterprises Advisory Council, and the Partnership to End Poverty.

OSU-Cascades Vice President Becky Johnson, said, “Neil’s steadfast focus over the last 18 years on the higher education needs for this region, and for all of Oregon, laid a solid foundation for OSU-Cascades.  His commitment helped establish OSU-Cascades in 2001 and his expertise will help guide us into our next decade.  Neil is the ideal choice to address our graduates in our 10^th anniversary year.”

OSU-Cascades 2010 commencement will celebrate the campus’ first decade with guests including OSU President Ed Ray, OSU Provost Sabah Randhawa, and former UO Provost and Senior Vice President John Moseley.  The ceremony will also include the presentation of the first annual OSU-Cascades Service Award.

The commencement will be held in Drake Park on June 12, 2010.  The program will begin at 1:00 p.m.