MONMOUTH, Ill. — State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago), who graduated from Monmouth College in 1976 with a degree in government, will deliver the 2008 commencement address at her alma mater on May 18.

After graduating from Monmouth, Hunter received her master’s degree in sociology from Jackson State University, where she specialized in alcoholism and drug abuse counseling, a community issue that remains one of her priorities today. Additionally, she holds a certificate in business administration from the University of Illinois-Chicago’s School of Entrepreneurship.

In 2006, Hunter received numerous accolades, including Legislator of the Year Awards from the Chicago Area Project and the Illinois Dietetic Association. She was also honored by the National Academy of Public Administration and was included in "Who’s Who in Black Chicago."

Hunter has served in the Illinois State Legislature since 2003 and is chairperson of the Appropriations III Committee and a member of many of the senate committees, including higher education. Among the many bills she has sponsored are one which bans the sale, distribution and manufacturing of mercury fever thermometers and mercury-added novelty products and another concerning the best methods of treating obesity, as well as assisting the Illinois Department of Public Health in coordinating and managing childhood obesity data.

Other bills include one that allows high school students to be organ donors and another that stiffens the penalties for individuals who attack players, coaches or officials at sporting events. She also signed a bill that requires coverage of mammograms for women under the age of 40 years old with a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors.

Prior to serving in the state legislature, Hunter served in numerous capacities with Human Resources Development Institute (HRDI), a Chicago-based human services organization. One of the highlights of her 18-year career with HRDI was a two-year assignment in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Hunter is a member of the Illinois Sports Authority Sports Advisory Board, the Council on Aging, the Advisory Council on Alcoholism and Other Drug Dependency, and the Council on Disabilities.