[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 156 (Saturday, November 8, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2237]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       PAYING TRIBUTE TO DAN RUPP

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JERRY MORAN

                               of kansas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, November 7, 1997

  Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to Dr. 
Dan Rupp, a distinguished citizen from my home town of Hays, KS. Dr. 
Rupp has displayed a serious commitment to the welfare of his local 
community, spending his entire adult life in public service and 
education. Dr. Rupp has been a member of the Hays City Commission for 
24 years and served as mayor for six terms.
  Dr. Rupp is the longest serving commissioner in the history of the 
city of Hays, KS, but his active role in the community goes beyond 
service in local government. His career in higher education as a 
college professor commenced immediately after he graduated from 
college. Most of that career was spent as an economics professor at 
Fort Hays State University. Dr. Rupp also leads a life of volunteerism. 
He has been a part of many community service projects over the years, 
including serving as the president of the Volga German Association from 
1974 through the present and as a long time member of the Ellis County 
Historical Society. He was recently recognized for his activity in the 
local senior companion program, a service he has been involved in since 
its inception in 1974. Dr. Rupp and his family are also active members 
of St. Joseph's Catholic Church.
  Earlier this year Dr. Rupp was diagnosed with a cancerous lung tumor. 
He is one of the 1 percent of people with lung cancer who are 
nonsmokers. Since his diagnosis, he has undergone radiation treatment 
for his disease. Dr. Rupp is not fighting this disease alone. He has a 
wonderful, supportive wife and two daughters with him every step of the 
way, as well as the town of Hays, a community of people who have come 
to know him well over the years.
  While Dr. Rupp decided to not seek reelection to the city commission 
in 1996, his service to the community has continued. This summer he 
taught graduate courses and volunteered as a city tour guide, all of 
this while undergoing his cancer treatment. He has continued to be 
positive, active, and upbeat. At 61 years old, Dr. Rupp continues as a 
role model for others in our community, a dedicated educator who has 
inspired his many students, and one who knows the supreme importance of 
family. I join the people of Hays, KS hoping and praying for Dan's 
healthy and speedy recovery.

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