[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 76 (Thursday, June 16, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: June 16, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                     TRIBUTE TO RICHARD L. KENNEDY

                                 ______


                          HON. WILLIAM D. FORD

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 16, 1994

  Mr. FORD of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor a 
constituent of mine, Richard L. Kennedy. For the past 38 years, Mr. 
Kennedy has dedicated his time and energy to making the University of 
Michigan one of the leading institutions of higher education in the 
world.
  Richard Kennedy began his long and distinguished tenure with the 
University of Michigan in 1956 when he served as the field 
representative for the development council of the university. Since 
then, he has become the longest serving executive officer in the 
history of the university. Throughout his tenure, Mr. Kennedy has 
served with 19 different regents, 5 presidents, 9 vice presidents for 
academic affairs, 6 vice presidents for research, 4 vice presidents for 
student affairs, 3 chief financial officers, and 3 vice presidents for 
development.
  Currently Richard Kennedy is the vice president for government 
relations and the secretary of the University of Michigan. He has 
served as secretary since 1970 and was appointed vice president for 
government relations in 1974. It takes a very talented and dedicated 
individual to fulfill this dual role with the high degree of success 
that Richard Kennedy has achieved.
  As vice president for government relations, Mr. Kennedy was in charge 
of planning, coordinating, and supervising the university's liaison 
activities with the local, State, and Federal Governments. He is the 
university's contact with the State board of education and is 
responsible for all liaison activities with the State of 
Michigan, including the Governor and State legislature. This is not an 
uncomplicated task.

  The Secretary is responsible to the board of regents for the 
execution of all functions necessary for the proper and legal exercise 
of the board's authority, including meeting arrangements, preparation 
and organization of meeting agendas, recording of all proceedings and 
arranging for the participation of regents in both formal and informal 
activities of the university. Mr. Kennedy has served in this office 
with much distinction. During his tenure as secretary, his signature 
has appeared on over 227,000 graduation diplomas.
  Aside from his involvement with the university, Richard Kennedy is a 
leader in his community. He presently serves on the board of directors 
for the Ann Arbor Summer Festival, M-Care, Michigan Health & Social 
Security Research Institute, the University of Michigan Hospitals, the 
Veritas Insurance Corp., and the board in control of intercollegiate 
athletics. Mr. Kennedy has previously served in various capacities on 
the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education.
  To those that know him, Richard Kennedy is a source of support and 
guidance. His wit and humor have improved the deliberations of many 
groups. In fact, he is referred to in the Big 10 as senior lobbyist and 
chief piano player. Mr. Kennedy is a man of superior wisdom and 
integrity coupled with an unusual degree of humility. He is an 
unfailing asset to the university and the people of my district. He has 
been a vital member of both the university and the surrounding 
community. It is not often that I am able to honor a man of his 
stature. It is with great pleasure that I congratulate him on his 
accomplishments and wish him every success in all of his future 
endeavors.

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