[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 133 (Tuesday, September 24, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S11167]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO DEAN SCHOFIELD

  Mr. PRESSLER. Mr. President, today I would like to pay tribute to 
Dean Schofield from Pierre, SD. Dean is retiring this month after 
serving 35 years with the South Dakota Department of Transportation. 
Dean's tireless dedication to our State has been exemplary.
  Dean's career began at the Department in 1961. His career steadily 
advanced over the years, from an assistant engineer to deputy secretary 
of the Department, the position he held when he announced his 
retirement.
  Mr. President, during my 22 years in Congress, I have often relied on 
Dean's insight and suggestions as I've worked to promote South Dakota's 
transportation system. Indeed, Dean has always kept me and my staff 
aware of South Dakota's transportation priorities.
  For example, I recall last year when Dean testified before a Surface 
Transportation and Merchant Marine Subcommittee hearing on rail 
service. Dean has also lent his expertise on highway and air service 
issues. His knowledge and contributions have been invaluable.
  I congratulate Dean upon his retirement and offer my good wishes to 
both he and his wife, Delcie. Dean leaves behind big shoes to fill.
  Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent a copy of an executive 
proclamation by the Governor of the State of South Dakota honoring Dean 
be printed in the Record immediately following my remarks.
  There being no objection, the proclamation was ordered to be printed 
in the Record, as follows:

             Executive Proclamation, State of South Dakota

       Whereas, Jerald D. (Dean) Schofield, a graduate of Pierre 
     High School, with a degree in Civil Engineering from South 
     Dakota State University, started his career with the 
     Department of Transportation on January 9, 1961 in Pierre as 
     an Assistant Engineer, advancing to Project Engineer in 1968, 
     Assistant Secondary Roads Engineer in 1973, Construction 
     Program Engineer in 1974, Office Administrator of Planning 
     and Programs in 1980, Director of the Division of Planning in 
     1986, and Deputy Secretary in 1989, the position he held 
     until his retirement; and
       Whereas, Dean has been recognized by his peers in national 
     and regional organizations by being selected to serve on many 
     committees as well as being selected as Secretary-Treasurer 
     of the Western Association of State Highway & Transportation 
     Officials (WASHTO); and
       Whereas, Dean was deeply involved in development the Rural 
     States' position and assisting in the passage of ISTEA, as 
     well as many other Federal issues--his work (as often was the 
     case) was accomplished in the background where he 
     meticulously provided essential support information and was 
     always willing and able to fill in on short notice; and
       Whereas, Dean has been instrumental in developing the 
     Department's Computerized Needs Data Book, the 5-Year 
     Construction Program with its project prioritization system 
     based on needs; the annual Strategic Plan and the legislative 
     program; and
       Whereas, Dean served on many Department, as well as several 
     statewide and special Governor's Task Forces; and
       Whereas, Dean brings a special, although quiet, skill to 
     every area he encounters and has always encouraged other 
     employees and has been a mentor and a model by his leadership 
     and example of superior work ethic and commitment to family, 
     profession, church and community; and
       Whereas, Dean, through his knowledge, judgment, openness, 
     integrity, thoroughness and organizational skills, has earned 
     the respect of everyone he has dealt with, both within and 
     outside the DOT, including legislators, county commissioners, 
     governors, congressmen, landowners, fellow employees and 
     ordinary highway users; and
       Whereas, Dean has been voted, by unofficial poll, to be the 
     Department's most considerate and genuinely caring employee 
     and one who will be sorely missed by his many friends and co-
     workers; and
       Whereas, after 35 years and 8 months of exemplary service 
     to the state of South Dakota and the SDDOT, it is now time 
     for Dean to retire to his home in Pierre with Delcie, his 
     wife of 32 years, to devote his time to traveling, carpentry, 
     gardening, attending athletic events, and enjoying his 3 
     children, Darrell, Darla, and Davis, and 5 grandchildren, 
     Brittanie, Matthew, Nathan, Taylor, and Kaitlyn, and it is 
     fitting and proper as Governor to recognize the many 
     accomplishments of this outstanding South Dakotan:
       Now, therefore, I, William J. Janklow, Governor of the 
     State of South Dakota, do hereby proclaim August 30, 1996, as 
     Dean Schofield Day in South Dakota, and I join with Dean's 
     family, friends and co-workers in wishing him a fulfilling 
     and happy retirement.

                          ____________________