Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-08) received the Eugene J. Hamilton Political Advocacy Award for his work to bring Republicans and Democrats together in Congress to solve problems and deliver for mid-Michigan, including by supporting Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU). Kildee accepted the award, which was also awarded to Congressman John Moolenaar (MI-02), and made remarks Friday in Bay City.
“I am proud to receive this award, which is named in honor of a dedicated champion of mid-Michigan and SVSU, Gene Hamilton,” Congressman Kildee said. “Gene prided himself in working across the aisle and made long-lasting friendships regardless of party. To this day, I look to Gene as an example of bipartisanship. In Congress, I will continue to work with anyone—Republicans, Independents and Democrats—to deliver results for my constituents.”
The Eugene J. Hamilton Political Advocacy Award is awarded annually to individuals who have contributed significantly to promoting SVSU within the halls of government. The award’s namesake, Eugene ‘Gene’ Hamilton, served as the University’s Director of Government Relations for 48 years and was its first recipient. Past recipients include former state legislators Joel Gugeon, Ben Frederick, Ken Horn, Jim Stamas and Bay County Executive Jim Barcia.
This year, Kildee has introduced over 10 bipartisan bills. In August 2022, Congressman Kildee secured federal funding to support the retention and graduation rates of SVSU students. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Kildee supported emergency cash assistance for students at SVSU and other mid-Michigan universities.
