[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 82 (Monday, June 22, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1193]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  IN RECOGNITION OF DR. GEORGE F. HAMM

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RALPH M. HALL

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 22, 1998

  Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a close friend, 
dedicated educator and great American, Dr. George F. Hamm, President of 
the University of Texas at Tyler, who is retiring this month following 
an illustrious tenure of seventeen years. Having known George 
throughout that time, I have had the opportunity to observe his 
professional accomplishments, which are considerable, and to witness 
the impact that he has had on higher education in East Texas. His 
accomplishments were not unilateral, however, for he always had his 
lovely and intelligent and talented wife, Jane, at his side. Theirs was 
a partnership that forged a plan for UT Tyler.
  George has been engaged in higher education administration and 
teaching since 1962, including a distinguished career in student 
services administration at Arizona State University prior to coming to 
the University of Texas at Tyler. Since being named President in 1981, 
Dr. Hamm has provided unmatched leadership and vision to the 
University. In 1982, Dr. Hamm achieved the first of a long line of 
accomplishments, when the University surpassed the 2,000 student 
enrollment mark for the first time. In 1983, under Dr. Hamm's guidance, 
a master's degree program in public planning and administration was 
established. This master's program was just the first significant 
expansion of educational opportunities for East Texans through the 
addition of numerous programs at the bachelors' and graduate levels. 
Just a few of the graduate programs established under Dr. Hamm's direct 
supervision include: teaching, English, mathematics, engineering and 
biology. Again in 1983, UT Tyler hit another enrollment milestone, as 
it passed the 3,000 student plateau.
  In 1984, as a direct result of Dr. Hamm's ability to further the 
University's stature, Texas voters added UT Tyler as a beneficiary of 
Texas' Permanent University Fund. In 1986, Dr. Hamm was awarded the 
Arizona State University Centennial Medallion, as a ``Man Ahead of His 
Times'', for providing equal educational opportunities for minorities. 
Then in 1990, with the University's reputation and popularity growing 
by leaps and bounds, UT Tyler awarded its 10,000th academic degree. 
Never ceasing, Dr. Hamm's vision led to the implementation of an 
interactive video instruction program in 1991. This state-of-the-art 
technology enables students in several cities to save time and money 
while pursuing their educational goals. In 1996, President Hamm 
received the International Distinguished Service Award from Sister 
Cities International.
  Finally, after years of hard work and dedication, in 1997, the Texas 
Legislature approved the University of Texas at Tyler as a four-year 
institution, and in 1998 UT Tyler's first freshman class was accepted 
for admission. Also in 1997, the Texas Legislature approved development 
of a UT Tyler campus in Longview and UT Tyler was selected for $6.9 
million`` U.S.-Ukraine Community Partnerships for Training and 
Education Project.
  After seventeen years of unparalleled leadership and vision, Dr. 
George F. Hamm will retire as President of the University of Texas at 
Tyler on June 30, 1998. As President of UT Tyler, Dr. Hamm dedicated 
his intellect, talents and energy to build a first-rate educational 
institution in East Texas. His goals were for many years elusive 
dreams, but thanks to his vision, perseverance and leadership, these 
dreams have become reality.
  It has been an honor and a privilege to work with George during these 
past seventeen years, and I will be forever grateful for the guidance 
and friendship he has offered me and for all that he has accomplished 
for Tyler and East Texas.
  Mr. Speaker, when we adjourn today's session, let us do so in honor 
of and respect for this great American.

                          ____________________