[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 52 (Tuesday, May 2, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E610-E611]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    CHRIS AND JANE BREISETH HONORED

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. PAUL E. KANJORSKI

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 2, 2000

  Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I pay tribute to my good friends Chris 
and Jane Breiseth from my District in Pennsylvania. This week, the 
Breiseths are being honored with the Distinguished Community Service 
Award by the Wilkes-Barre Society of Fellows, Anti-Defamation League 
(ADL). I am pleased and proud to have been asked to participate in this 
event, which is honoring such a well-respected and well-liked couple.
  Dr. Christopher Breiseth will retire as president of Wilkes 
University in July 2001, after 17 years, the second-longest 
presidential term in the institution's history. He has been an 
extraordinary president of Wilkes University, bringing significant 
growth to the institution during a challenging period for all private 
institutions of higher education. He not only established the School of 
Pharmacy and oversaw the construction of numerous new buildings on the 
Wilkes campus, but he also maintained a warm, caring atmosphere that 
encouraged students to thrive.
  During his tenure, the university has experienced unprecedented 
growth in its fundraising, programmatic and campus development 
initiatives. He led the institution to its 1989 designation as a 
university by the Pennsylvania Board of Education, a recognition of the 
breadth of Wilkes's programs and curricula at the undergraduate and 
graduate level.
  Under Chris's leadership, the Wilkes campus has been transformed into 
a cohesive academic environment, with several buildings constructed or 
remodeled for student residence, study and recreation. Curricular 
enhancements include the 1994 creation of the School of Pharmacy, which 
will graduate its first class of Doctors of Pharmacy on May 20.
  Chris's legacy extends to his tireless efforts as a community leader. 
His awards and involvements are too numerous to list them all. 
Personally, I developed enormous respect and appreciation for him from 
countless hours working together on the creation of the Earth 
Conservancy, a unique organization formed to reclaim thousands of acres 
of mine-scarred land in the Wyoming Valley. There were many difficult 
moments during the early days of the Earth Conservancy, and Chris 
Breiseth put himself at significant personal and professional risk to 
make our dream a reality. He continues to serve as chairman of the 
board and has helped to develop the Earth Conservancy into a respected 
and important asset for the community.
  Mr. Speaker, Jane Morehouse Breiseth is a highly educated community 
activist in her own right. Educated at prestigious Cornell University, 
she earned a Bachelor's in Comparative Literature, then earned her 
Master's in Education there in 1967. She is certified to teach Language 
Arts and Social Studies in several states. Jane has taught in several 
schools over her career and was a study skill specialist, worked on a 
quality of life survey project and was assistant to the Secretary of 
Health, Education and Welfare.
  Since coming to Northeastern Pennsylvania, Jane has continued her 
civic involvement. She has worked with the Family Service Association, 
Hospice St. John, Luzerne County Women's Conference, and the Northeast 
Philharmonic Society, to name just a few.
  The Breiseths are active members of First Presbyterian Church in 
Wilkes-Barre and the parents of three fine young women, Abigail, Erika, 
and Lydia.
  Mr. Speaker, when the Breiseths came to Northeastern Pennsylvania, 
they truly made it

[[Page E611]]

their home, volunteering their time and energy to many worthwhile 
projects and community activities. The area is enriched by their 
presence and I am extremely proud and honored to be among their many 
friends. I sent my sincere best wishes as they accept this prestigious 
award and I look forward to their continued involvement in the 
community for years to come.

                          ____________________