[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 86 (Thursday, June 17, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1305]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING J. SAVAGE, S.J.

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. KAREN McCARTHY

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 17, 1999

  Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
memory of Father Thomas J. Savage, S.J., the 11th President of 
Rockhurst College. The passing of this exceptional man leaves us with a 
great sense of sadness and grief. Fr. Thom cannot easily be described 
in words but the impact he made upon the Greater Kansas City region is 
monumental and reflects his selfness, lifelong mission to assist those 
most in need. He was not just a leader but a visionary whose 
accomplishments continue to positively affect our community.
  Fr. Thom was especially talented in three areas of expertise: urban 
planning, education, and spirituality. During his tenure at Rockhurst 
College, he directed the campus renovation and construction of several 
facilities including the state of the art Richardson Science Center, 
the Town House Village, the Jesuit Residence, and Van Ackersen Hall. 
His goal was to expand Rockhurst's services to its students and to the 
community. Never forgetting the College's neighbors, the made great 
efforts to make the school inclusive by taking advantage of its urban 
location. By using valuable input and resources from members of the 
community as he further developed the area, he opened communication and 
strengthened a lasting friendship and alliance with the neighbors of 
Rockhurst.
  Committed to lifelong learning and the Rockhurst motto: ``Not what to 
think, but how to think,'' Fr. Thom supervised and supported the 
revision of the college's liberal arts core curriculum, the 
introduction of the master's degree programs in occupational and 
physical therapy, and a unique partnership with Saint Louis University 
in South Kansas City at the Ignatius Center. In his own life, education 
played a significant part in shaping his role as a leader for our 
community and nation. Fr. Thom obtained an undergraduate degree in 
philosophy and sociology from Boston College, held a doctor of 
education and a master's degree in public policy from Harvard 
University, and a master's degree in city and regional planning from 
the University of California at Berkeley.
  Instructed in the Jesuit tradition and officially ordained in 1979, 
Fr. Thom always aimed for high intellectual and ethnical standards and 
moral responsibility. He was a trailblazer who celebrated diversity, 
respect and true justice. In each aspect of his life he sought to bring 
about goodness. Even with a full workload and schedule, he could be 
heard in a lively debate on Sunday mornings on the radio as one of the 
hosts of ``Religion on the Line.'' His past roles in our community are 
evidence of his conscientious and generous intentions. As Co-Chairman 
of FOCUS Kansas City, Chairman of the Missouri Humanities Council, Vice 
President of the Kansas City Chapter of Phil Beta Kappa, Trustee of the 
Liberty Memorial Association, Member of the Menninger Clinic Board of 
Directors, the Kauffman Foundation Board of Trustees, the Midwest 
Research Institute Board of Trustees, the Preferred Health 
Professionals Board of Directors, and the Holocaust Memorial Advisory 
Board, Fr. Thom demonstrated his personal commitment to many worthy 
causes. He wrote for several publications and newspapers to share his 
views on board governance, trustees, Catholicism, and pedagogical 
issues.
  Fr. Thom Savage is truly an inspiration for all who knew him and were 
touched by his innumerable acts of kindness. His sharp, honed wit and 
personable, outgoing nature were character trademarks and will be 
sorely missed. Along with many others from our region and across the 
nation, I mourn the death of this outstanding man. He will long be 
recognized as a hero, an agent of change, a champion for the 
underprivileged, a spiritual leader, and most importantly a friend to 
everyone in my community.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in extending sympathy to his mother and 
the entire Savage family.

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