[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 77 (Wednesday, May 26, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1113]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO CHANCELLOR HILDA RICHARDS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 26, 1999

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with the greatest pleasure that I 
pay tribute to an exceptionally dedicated, compassionate, and 
distinguished member of Indiana's First Congressional District, 
Chancellor Hilda Richards of Gary, Indiana. After serving as Chancellor 
of Indiana University Northwest for six years, Hilda Richards will be 
retiring next month. On June 5, 1999, Chancellor Richards will be 
honored with a final, formal salute for her service, effort, and 
dedication, at Innsbrook Country Club in Merrillville, Indiana.
  Born in St. Joseph, Missouri, Chancellor Hilda Richards received her 
Diploma in Nursing from St. John's School of Nursing in 1956 and 
continued her education in New York City, New York, where she graduated 
cum laude from Hunter College with her Bachelor of Science degree in 
1961. Chancellor Richards continued her education at Columbia 
University, where she received her Masters in Education in 1965, 
Masters of Public Administration in 1971, and her Doctorate of 
Education in 1976. Chancellor Richards understands that a solid 
educational foundation will challenge one's mind, empower one's sense 
of well-being, and rekindle one's heart, with a commitment to values 
and beliefs essential to becoming and being a whole individual. In the 
words of Chancellor Hilda Richards herself, ``I knew I wanted to make a 
difference--and I needed a good education to do that. My personality 
would not allow it to be any other way.'' Chancellor Richards has 
continued to challenge herself by doing post-doctoral work at Harvard 
University.
  Chancellor Hilda Richards began her professional life as a staff 
nurse at Payne Whitney Clinic of New York Hospital in 1956. Four years 
later she became an instructor of nursing in the Department of 
Psychiatry at City Hospital in New York, where she also rose to the 
position of head nurse in the Department of Psychiatry. From 1971 to 
1976 she served as the Director of Nursing Programs and Chair of the 
Health Science Division at Medgar Evers College in New York City, and 
from 1976-1979 she served as the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs for 
Medgar Evers College. Chancellor Richards continued her professional 
career as Dean of the College of Health and Human Services at Ohio 
University in Athens, Ohio. Before coming to Indiana University 
Northwest to serve as Chancellor, she served as Provost and Vice 
President for Academic Affairs at Indiana University of Pennsylvania 
from 1986-1993.
  Though extremely dedicated to her academic work, Chancellor Hilda 
Richards selflessly gives her free time and energy to her community. 
Chancellor Richards is a life member of the National Association for 
the Advancement of Colored People and a member of the American Nurses 
Association. She also serves as a board member for several 
organizations in Northwest Indiana, including: The Gary Education 
Development Foundation, Inc.; Tradewinds Rehabilitation Center, Inc.; 
Boys and Girls Club of Northwest Indiana; WYIN-Channel 56; and the 
Northwest Indiana Forum. Additionally, Hilda Richards has volunteered 
countless hours of service to the Times Newspaper Editorial Advisory 
Board, the Indiana Youth Institute, and The Methodist Hospital.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my distinguished colleagues join me 
in commending Chancellor Hilda Richards for her dedication, service, 
and leadership to the students and faculty of Indiana University 
Northwest, as well as the people of the First Congressional District. 
Northwest Indiana's community has certainly been rewarded by the true 
service and uncompromising dedication displayed by Chancellor Hilda 
Richards.

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