[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 34 (Thursday, March 23, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E402]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   A TRIBUTE TO THE COLLEGE OF JOURNALISM AND COMMUNICATIONS AT THE 
                         UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. KAREN L. THURMAN

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 23, 2000

  Mrs. THURMAN. Mr. Speaker, the College of Journalism and 
Communications at the University of Florida is celebrating two very 
important anniversaries this year--the introduction of journalism 
courses at the university 75 years ago and the remarkable man who 
founded the journalism school 50 years ago, the late Mr. Rae O. Weimer.
  Mr. Rae Weimer's vision and dedication to journalism guided the 
formation of the journalism school in 1949 and later the transition of 
the school into an actual college in 1967. He went on to serve as the 
first dean of the College of Journalism and Communications.
  Today, in many ways, Mr. Weimer's legacy remains visible throughout 
the College. The building where the College is housed bears his name, 
and the remarkable growth of the College and caliber of the faculty and 
students are considered a testament to his vision and leadership.
  People who had the privilege of knowing and working with Mr. Weimer 
compliment his uncompromising commitment to quality journalism.
  Among Mr. Weimer's many admirers is Brent Williams, a graduate of the 
College and the Director of Development and Community Relations at the 
University's public TV and radio stations. He describes Mr. Weimer as a 
man ``totally committed to the students.''
  He speaks fondly of Mr. Weimer's gentle manner in dealing with 
students struggling to perform to the best of their abilities. He was 
known to meet with students to encourage them to do better. His 
uplifing and supportive pep talks helped the students to believe in 
themselves and excel.
  Mr. David Flagg, another graduate of the College who is a former 
state legislator and now the director of government relations for 
Shands HealthCare, said Mr. Weimer often talked to students about a 
reporter's role as ``gatekeeper'' and impressed upon the students the 
importance of responsible and unbiased reporting.
  Mr. Weimer's newsroom experience often guided him in knowing how to 
best prepare students for careers in journalism and communications. He 
emphasized ``hands-on'' as well as academic preparation for both 
faculty members and students.
  Today, the College's undergraduate and graduate programs provide 
extensive opportunities for hands-on journalism experience in print, 
television, radio and in news media.
  I've had the pleasure of being interviewed many times by student 
reporters at the university's radio and television stations and The 
Independent Florida Alligator. The students work hard, ask pointed 
questions and produce thorough, accurate and informative stories.
  This shows me that the students at the University of Florida's 
College of Journalism and Communications are getting a first-rate 
education. They are also providing a valuable community service.
  In addition to Mr. Weimer's remarkable contribution, many other 
people deserve recognition for the College's achievements, including 
the three deans who came after him and built upon his vision: Dr. John 
Paul Jones, Jr., Dr. Ralph L. Lowenstein and, currently, Dr. Terry 
Hynes.
  ``Celebration 2000'' is a tribute to all of them, including the 
students and faculty members over the last 75 years who have played a 
role in the College's outstanding growth and climb to national stature.
  The University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications 
consistently ranks among the top 10 journalism schools in the country 
and students place prominently in a variety of national and regional 
collegiate journalism competitions.
  The list is also getting longer of distinguished alumni.
  This year, the College's Alumni of Distinction Awards for 2000 were 
presented to Dennis Kneale of Forbes magazine; Rene S. ``Butch'' Meily, 
vice-president of the public relations firm of Rubenstein Associates; 
Yvette Miley, executive producer of WTVJ-TV in Miami; W. Richard 
``Dick'' Monroe, vice-president for environmental affairs for DARDEN 
Restaurants (Red Losbster and The Olive Garden); Joan Ryan, a columnist 
for the San Francisco Chronicle; and Carol A. Sanger, vice president of 
corporate communications and external affairs for Federated Department 
Stores, Inc.
  These fine men and women represent merely a small sampling of the 
hundreds of successful graduates from the College who are now leaders 
in newsrooms and businesses throughout this community, the State of 
Florida and the entire country. They are all proof that the University 
of Florida's College of Journalism and Communications provides students 
with the skills they need to build successful careers in journalism, 
public relations, advertising and other professions.
  That's the real measure--far and above national rankings and awards--
of a college's educational quality. After all, as the University's 
capital campaign makes clear, ``It's performance that Counts.''
  Many thanks to all of you for making this College among the best in 
the country and for maintaining a steadfast commitment to educational 
excellence.

                          ____________________