[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 140 (Thursday, October 9, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2005-E2006]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               CONGRESSMAN KILDEE HONORS EDWARD J. KURTZ

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DALE E. KILDEE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 9, 1997

  Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, it is truly an honor to rise before you 
today to pay tribute to an individual who exemplifies the very best in 
civic pride and responsibility. On Tuesday, October 14, the Flint, MI, 
area Chamber of Commerce will honor Dr. Edward J. Kurtz with their 
Charles Stewart Mott Citizen of the Year Award.
  Dr. Kurtz's name has become synonymous with education. In 1968, Dr. 
Kurtz introduced himself to Baker college as a student. Little did he 
know that this was the beginning of a relationship that would span over 
30 years. Upon completing courses at Baker, Dr. Kurtz continued his 
education, receiving his bachelor of science degree at Ferris State 
University in 1968. He then returned to Baker where he worked as an 
instructor and later served as executive director of the school until 
1974. Dr. Kurtz was then named president and chief executive officer of 
Baker College System, a position he maintains to this day. While 
serving as president, Dr. Kurtz managed to find the time to obtain his 
master's degree from Eastern Michigan University in 1974 and his 
doctorate from Tiffin University in Ohio in 1987.
  Because Dr. Kurtz has experience in all aspects of the educational 
arena at Baker, Dr. Kurtz provides a pleasing sense of familiarity and 
empathy for the students, staff, and faculty under his care. Due to Dr. 
Kurtz's leadership, Baker College System has set a new

[[Page E2006]]

standard for growth and expansion. During his tenure the college has 
grown from its humble beginning to a nine-campus, career-oriented, 
regionally accredited family of institutions. Offering over 80 academic 
programs, Baker's enrollment has seen a meteoric rise from 200 to over 
15,000 students, rivaling many of the State's public 4-year 
institutions. Revenue for the school has increased from under $500,000 
to a current rate of more than $70 million.
  Dr. Kurtz's commitment to our community is evident in the number of 
organizations that seek his experience and insight. He has served in 
prominent leadership positions with groups such as the Greater Flint 
Educational Consortium, Community Foundation of Greater Flint, Flint 
Chamber of Commerce, and the Association of Independent Colleges and 
Universities of Michigan just to name a few. The honors and awards that 
have been bestowed on Dr. Kurtz are evidence of the regard in which he 
is held. However, we can never properly thank Dr. Kurtz for his 
dedication to educating our students and ensuring that no barriers 
exist to prevent an individual from obtaining the necessary skills to 
achieve.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with a tremendous amount of pride that I appear 
before you today to recognize my colleague, my constituent, and my 
friend, Dr. Edward J. Kurtz. The Charles Stewart Mott Citizen of the 
Year Award is given to individuals who show leadership, integrity, 
credibility, inspiration to other people, and commitment to the 
community. Therefore, Dr. Kurtz is the perfect candidate to receive 
this prestigious award. His love and dedication has made our community 
a much better place. I urge my colleagues in the house of 
Representatives to join me in congratulating Dr. Edward J. Kurtz on 
this tremendous honor.

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