[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 77 (Thursday, May 30, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E955-E956]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       THANK YOU, DR. ERNIE DEAR

                                 ______


                          HON. DAVID E. BONIOR

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 30, 1996

  Mr. BONIOR. Mr. Speaker, oftentimes on this floor, we are called upon 
to honor men and women who have graced our communities. And while it is 
right that we do that, occasionally we are confronted with the 
accomplishments of a particularly special person and find it hard to 
give the true measure of their work in just a few minutes.
  That is how I feel today as I rise to pay tribute to Dr. R. Ernest 
Dear, a constituent and friend, who is retiring this year as president 
of St. Clair County Community College in Port Huron, MI. For four 
decades, as a teacher, principal, college president, and parent, Ernie 
Dear has worked tirelessly to improve educational opportunities for 
people in Michigan. In the process, he has inspired all of us who have 
had the privilege to work with him and served as a role model for 
educators and public servants everywhere.
  Throughout his distinguished career, Ernie Dear has been recognized 
both in and out of the classroom as a leader, and somebody who has 
given of himself personally and professionally for the good of others. 
To know

[[Page E956]]

Ernie Dear is to be touched and rejuvenated by his determination and 
his optimism. Each of us has benefited from the gifts of his ebullience 
and positive attitude.
  Ernie Dear has a long list of professional awards and 
accomplishments, but he has made another mark on our community that is 
even more important and even more lasting. The story of his work in 
education is written on the lives of the innumerable people whom he has 
touched over the years.
  As a consequence of Dr. Dear's work, thousands of people in Michigan 
are better educated and have a lifelong love of learning. Because of 
his commitment, countless men and women have new careers and new 
outlooks on life. And thanks to his accomplishments, many are better 
able to handle the challenges that face them. Even more than the awards 
and the respect of his peers, this is Ernie Dear's true legacy, and one 
which will continue to flourish for years to come.
  Mr. Speaker, I take great pride in honoring Dr. Ernie Dear. He has 
been an inspiration to me, and a good friend. As Ernie marks this 
important milestone, I hope that my colleagues will join me in 
expressing our gratitude for his hard work and his contributions to our 
community. I know that all of us wish him and his wife, Barbara, 
continued happiness and joy in the years ahead.

                          ____________________