[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 56 (Tuesday, May 9, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E683]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           HONORING THE DISTINGUISHED CAREER OF ANGELO VOLPE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BART GORDON

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 9, 2000

  Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the career of 
Angelo Volpe, president of Tennessee Technological University and the 
longest currently serving public university president in the state of 
Tennessee. Dr. Volpe's retirement on June 30, 2000, will mark 13 years 
at the helm of the university.
  During Angelo's first week at Tennessee Tech, he and his wife, 
Jennette, started a tradition that would endear them to thousands of 
students to come. They opened their home at Walton House to the entire 
freshman class, shook every hand and learned something about each 
person. Often he would later surprise a student by remembering a name, 
hometown or favorite sports team. His dedication to the individual is 
one of the qualities Tech students and faculty have come to appreciate 
in Angelo Volpe.
  Angelo's tenure at Tennessee Tech saw many accomplishments. He 
presided over the first two capital campaigns in the university's 
history, both of which exceeded expectations. he saw the addition of 
two Ph.D. programs, two Chairs of Excellence and three new construction 
projects. Angelo also worked diligently to create the Leona Fisk 
Officer Black Cultural Center and the Women's Center. Possibly his 
greatest achievement is that Tennessee Tech achieved all these 
accomplishments and maintained a commitment to educational excellence 
in the face of five years and $4 million dollars in budget cuts.
  Angelo and Jennette Volpe's presence will be missed on the campus of 
Tennessee Tech. I am pleased, though, they will remain in Cookeville, 
TN. I congratulate him on an admirable and distinguished career and 
wish him well in retirement.

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