[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 67 (Tuesday, May 11, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E931]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING GEORGE R. MUIRHEAD

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. NANCY L. JOHNSON

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 11, 1999

  Mrs. JOHNSON of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure 
that I rise to honor Dr. George R. Muirhead upon his retirement from 
Central Connecticut State University in my hometown of New Britain, 
Connecticut.
  Dr. Muirhead begin teaching CCSU students in 1949. During his many 
years of service to this fine university he has been Director of the 
Division of Social Sciences, Dean of Instructional Services, Acting 
Dean of the School of Business, Acting Dean of the School of Arts and 
Sciences, Assistant to the Vice President for Academic Affairs, 
Executive Director of the Experimental College, Co-Director and 
Administration for U.S.A.I.D. Program for Management Training and 
Economic Education in Poland and Vice President for Academic Affairs.
  Dr. Murihead has provided outstanding instructional opportunities to 
generations of students in the academic areas of history and 
contributed significantly to scholarships through his research and 
publications. He has been a leader in establishing Central Connecticut 
State University's Center for Excellence in International Education and 
the chief architect of the University's nationally recognized General 
Education Program.
  Few educators have the vision, intellect, extraordinary level of 
curiosity or ability to set forth complex matters in an orderly and 
memorable way that Dr. Muirhead possesses. He has taught, mentored and 
influenced generations of scholars and inspired students of all ages to 
better understand our world and prepare for the challenges of the next 
century. His work to establish CCSU's international program over many 
years was truly visionary, preceding today's acceptance of the 
importance of international experience and understanding.
  Following are quotes from tributes to this remarkable teacher and 
leader marking his 50 years of service.
  From Richard J. Judd, President of CCSU (and class of 1959): ``George 
Muirhead is a quintessential academic. He has guided with great 
enthusiasm countless thousands of students. His intellectual astuteness 
is boundless and he is among the great teachers of this university 
which he has served so selflessly for 50 years. I, as his one-time 
student, cannot begin to say the multifold ways he has influenced my 
life. He once told me not to try to be Tom Paine. I never forgot that 
admonition. As the current President of Central Connecticut State 
University I am deeply honored to have George Muirhead serve along side 
of me but more so to have him as a dear friend.''
  From Arturo U. Iriarte, Vice President of Academic Affairs at 
Lasselle College and former Professor of Education, CCSU: ``You taught 
me to lead, to accomplish goals, to effect change, and to laugh. Thanks 
for always being there when I call to ask for your guidance and advice. 
To you I lift a glass of the Grouse in a toast to your continued good 
health and happiness.''
  From Timothy Rickard, Professor of Geography: ``George Muirhead's 
keen interest in student and faculty international exchanges laid much 
of the programmatic groundwork for CCSU's designation by the state 
legislature as a Center of Excellence in International Education in 
1987. His exchange with a professor at Bingley College in Yorkshire for 
the 1973-74 academic year was the blueprint for a series of year long 
faculty exchanges with British institutions and later expansion into a 
variety of worldwide opportunities for faculty visits to CCSU liaison 
institutions. Also, as Dr. Muirhead's special legacy, four CCSU 
students on exchange in the United Kingdom are supported each year by 
Muirhead scholarships and the country is the destination of choice for 
about half the students in a greatly expanded study abroad program.''
  From Eileen Groth Lyon, CCSU Class of 1987, Assistant Professor of 
History at Florida State University: ``By the time I arrived at Central 
Connecticut University in the fall of 1983, George Muirhead was already 
something of a legend. My parents and aunt, who attended the university 
in the late 1940's and 1950's, had spoken of him as one of the finest 
and most charismatic professors they had known. Dr. Muirhead's 
encouragement and careful mentoring extended beyond my graduation from 
Central to a Fulbright scholarship, Cambridge Ph.D. and an academic 
career. I will always remain grateful for all that he taught me, about 
both history and life.''
  From Amy B. Grass, CCSU Class of 1999: ``These are the memories I 
have of Dr. Muirhead: a teacher, a mentor, a practical joker, a tea 
maker (and occasional waiter), a volume of knowledge and a friend. 
Those of us at Central, but especially I, can say that knowing him has 
been a rip-roaring, firecracking roller-coaster of a ride . . . and 
we're all the better for having bought a ticket.''

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