Sen. Gary Peters Gives Graduation Speech At Alma College

ALMA (AP) — U.S. Sen. Gary Peters, a graduate of Alma College, has urged the school's 300 newest graduates to make "democracy work" by participating in public service.

Peters, who was elected in November, was the commencement speaker Saturday at the small college in central Michigan. He graduated from Alma from 1980, and his father also graduated from the school in 1938.

The Detroit-area Democrat was given an honorary degree by Alma President Jeff Abernathy.

Peters says an Alma education teaches students to use critical thinking to tackle challenges. He says his four years there "have been with me throughout my life."

Peters says Alma graduates are needed to "keep the promise of the American dream alive."