[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 118 (Monday, September 13, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1853]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     BROTHER McGINNIS INDUCTED AS PRESIDENT OF LA SALLE UNIVERSITY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ROBERT A. BORSKI

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 13, 1999

  Mr. BORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to announce that Brother 
Michael J. McGinniss, FSC, Ph.D., will be inducted as La Salle 
University's 28th President on September 24 at a 3 p.m. ceremony at the 
University's Hayman Center.
  Brother McGinniss was a member of the school's religion department 
and for the past five years was president of Christian Brothers 
University in Memphis, TN. He maintained a close connection with La 
Salle--his alma mater--while serving on the school's Board of Trustees.
  McGinniss, 51, grew up in a Philadelphia neighborhood near the 
university. As a boy, he and his aunt would often ride the Number 26 
trolley past College Hall. ``She'd tell me that some day I would go to 
school in that building. I can't help but wonder what she would say 
about my being president if she were alive today,'' he said.
  He joined the Christian Brothers in 1965 and graduated Maxima Cum 
Laude from La Salle in 1970 with a degree in English. He obtained his 
Master's and Ph.D. in theology from the University of Notre Dame.
  His first teaching assignment was at the South Hills Catholic High 
School in Pittsburgh, PA, where he was a member of the English and 
Religion departments. He returned to La Salle as a visiting instructor 
in the Graduate Religion program in the summer of 1978. McGinniss has 
also taught at Washington Theological Union and Loyola University's 
Summer Institute of Pastoral Studies.
  In 1984 he joined the faculty at La Salle on a full-time basis, 
reaching the rank of full professor in 1993. Recognized by the De La 
Salle Christian Brothers for his qualities as a leader, he attended La 
session internationale des etudes lasalliennes (a program of study of 
Lasallian spirituality) in Rome. He eventually became Chair of La 
Salle's Religion Department and in 1992 he received the Lindback Award 
for Distinguished Teaching.
  During his tenure as President of Christian Brothers University, 
undergraduate enrollment and retention rates increased; a Master's of 
Education program was established; the Athletic Department joined the 
NCAA Division II Gulf South Conference; new residence halls were 
constructed; science labs and facilities were enhanced; engineering 
departments were reaccredited; information technology systems 
throughout the campus were upgraded; and the Center for Global 
Enterprise was founded. He also played a key role in the school's 125th 
anniversary celebration.
  Brother McGinniss also took an active part in the Memphis area 
community, serving on the boards of the Economic Club of Memphis; 
National Conference of Christians and Jews, Memphis Chapter; Memphis 
Brooks Museum of Art; the Memphis Catholic Diocesan Development 
Committee; and Christian Brothers High School, Memphis, TN.
  He has published articles in scholarly journals on many topics, 
written chapters in religious books and edited six volumes of the 
Christian Brothers' Spirituality Seminar Series. He has lectured to 
academic and professional groups on issues related to spirituality, 
pastoral care, and theology. His processional memberships include 
Catholic Theological Society of America, American Academy of Religion, 
and College Theology Society.
  It is with great pleasure that I recognize Brother McGinniss today. 
He is a man who has contributed greatly to many educational 
institutions and to the communities in which they are located. I would 
like to extend Brother McGinniss my warmest wishes and congratulations 
on his induction as President of La Salle University.

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