[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 160 (Thursday, November 13, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2375]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       A SALUTE TO MICHAEL K. SIMPSON PRESIDENT OF UTICA COLLEGE

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. SHERWOOD L. BOEHLERT

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 13, 1997

  Mr. BOEHLERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise to extend my congratulations to my 
great friend, Michael K. Simpson, who will be retiring as the president 
of Utica College of Syracuse University this January to become the 
president of the American University in Paris.
  Dr. Simpson has had a most distinguished career as both an academic 
and community leader. His contributions to Utica College and the 
surrounding community are countless. Throughout his very rich and 
rewarding life, President Simpson has never hesitated to share his time 
and abilities with the people of the Mohawk Valley. His contributions 
to the United Way of Greater Utica, the Oneida County School-Business 
Alliance, the Health and Hospital Council of the Mohawk Valley, and the 
Boy Scouts of America, among many others, exemplify a commitment to our 
community second to none.
  But it is Utica College, my alma mater, that has benefited most 
notably from Mike's creativity, leadership and intellectual firepower. 
Mike's academic credentials are of the highest order. He holds degrees 
in international relations, business, law and diplomacy and has his 
doctorate in international politics from the Fletcher School at Tufts 
University. He has imparted his knowledge and love of international 
politics, diplomacy and economics for the past 21 years at Utica 
College and through the many study abroad programs that he has 
directed. He has been an inspiration to several generations of 
students.
  As president, Mike has been able to expand programs and increase the 
college's presence in our community while returning the institution to 
a sound financial footing. Under Mike's tutelage, the physical therapy 
program received accreditation and a pathbreaking graduate program in 
economic crime investigation is being developed. The Young Scholars 
Program, which teams Utica College students with inner city youth, has 
received national acclaim. And the campus's capital campaign is not 
only meeting its ambitious targets, but is moving forward ahead of 
schedule.
  All this makes it clear why I am so proud to call Mike Simpson my 
friend. It also shows why I was upset, but not surprised to learn that 
Mike has been offered his new prestigious post in Paris. Mike indeed 
has all the requisite traits to be a leader of international standing. 
Our community was blessed to have him among us for so long.
  As Mike departs this January, his contributions will be missed, but 
never forgotten. I wish Mike the best in his new adventures and 
endeavors. His travels may take him to the far corners of the Earth, 
but Utica, the Mohawk Valley and I will always hold Mike Simpson in our 
minds--and hearts--as a great educator, a valued citizen, and a true 
friend.

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