[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 137 (Saturday, September 28, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1790]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             PROFESSOR HOFFMAN, YOU HAVE MADE A DIFFERENCE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES A. BARCIA

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 27, 1996

  Mr. BARCIA. Mr. Speaker, education is a tool that informs and 
inspires each of us. And education is immensely influenced by the 
learned individuals who serve as instructors, teachers, and professors. 
One of the professors who was a mentor in my instruction was Dr. 
William S. Hoffman, who on January 1 will be retiring after 32 years at 
Saginaw Valley State University, my alma mater.
  The gentleman has taught some of the most stimulating history classes 
known to any student. I know how vivid he made some of these events 
when I was his student. He not only made the event come back to life, 
he made sure that the significance of it lived on in our understanding 
and appreciation of what preceded us.
  Dr. Hoffman was one of the three original faculty members of Sagninaw 
Valley College, which later became Saginaw Valley State University. He 
was known for his expertise on Andrew Jackson, one of the key leaders 
of the Democratic party. Dr. Hoffman is someone who could easily be a 
member of any President's kitchen cabinet as his expertise provides a 
clarity of thought that truly allows us to learn from history.
  Having taught at Wiley College in Texas, Appalachian State Teachers 
College in North Carolina, and Bay City Junior College, Delta College, 
and Saginaw Valley, he has certainly left his impression on great 
number of students. And with his publication of numerous articles, book 
reviews, and two books on North Carolina history, he has influenced 
countless others in appreciating portions of our national heritage.
  Dr. Hoffman was certainly deserving of winning Saginaw Valley State 
University's first Landee Award for teaching excellence. But he will 
always be remembered as a man who knew history, who imparted its 
lessons by reliving it in his writings and instruction, and someone who 
could be counted upon to make a difference for a student, the highest 
accolade I believe there can be for any academic professional.
  Mr. Speaker, as Dr. William S. Hoffman prepares to retire, and his 
many friends and colleagues at Saginaw Valley State University look 
forward to feting him prior to his departure, let me urge you and all 
of our colleagues to join me in wishing this man the very best as he 
earns his place in history, and moves forward to create even more in 
his retirement.

                          ____________________