[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 71 (Thursday, June 9, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: June 9, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
             A SPECIAL SALUTE TO DR. CLAIRE A. VAN UMMERSEN

                                 ______


                           HON. LOUIS STOKES

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 8, 1994

  Mr. STOKES. Mr. Speaker, today I take pride in saluting an individual 
whose contributions to higher education are unparalleled. On June 12, 
1994, I will have the honor of bringing the official greetings to Dr. 
Claire Van Ummersen from the U.S. Congress when she is inaugurated as 
the next president of Cleveland State University. As president, Dr. Van 
Ummersen will continue a tradition of excellence at an exemplary 
institution located within my congressional district.
  It pleases me to mention that Cleveland State University, having 
originated in 1870 with just a few men in attendance, has expanded to 
include colleges of arts and sciences, business administration, 
engineering, education, law, and graduate studies. In her capacity as 
president, Dr. Van Ummersen will be responsible for managing 561 full-
time and approximately 300 part-time faculty members. In addition, she 
will oversee an enrollment of over 17,000 students. I am honored to 
participate in this special tribute to Dr. Clare Van Ummersen. I rise 
today to share information with my colleagues on this distinguished 
individual.
  Having worked within the educational system for over 25 years, Dr. 
Van Ummersen has devoted her efforts to improving the quality of 
education for both students and faculty. In 1968, she began her 18-year 
career at the University of Massachusetts as an assistant professor of 
biology. Thereafter she served as interim chancellor, associate vice 
chancellor for academic affairs, associate dean for academic affairs 
and graduate program director for biology.
  Mr. Speaker, under Dr. Van Ummersen's leadership, higher education 
has witnessed a major reconstruction. Her energies have led to 
innovative techniques being used to foster education and expanded 
services being offered. From 1986 to 1992, while serving as chancellor 
of the University System of New Hampshire, she managed over 29,000 
students and a $300 million operating budget. In addition, Dr. Van 
Ummersen was responsible for launching an innovative instructional 
television network. Her unyielding efforts resulted in the linkage of 
all of the State universities and colleges by televised instruction. 
She was also responsible for spearheading the implementation of a 
doctoral program in environmental sciences.
  I am also proud to mention that in addition to serving on numerous 
regional and national boards and commissions. Dr. Van Ummersen is an 
active member of several honorary societies including Phi Beta Kappa 
and Sigma Xi. She has also continued to host seminars on ``The Impact 
of Global Change on Education,'' and ``Faculty Roles and Rewards.''
  Mr. Speaker, I believe that Dr. Van Ummersen deserves special credit 
for her efforts to improve the quality and standard of education. I am 
more than confident that Dr. Van Ummersen will do an outstanding job as 
president of Cleveland State University. I take great pride in saluting 
Dr. Van Ummersen for her efforts and extend my warmest regards as she 
assumes the presidency.

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