[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 73 (Tuesday, June 13, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E983]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




TRIBUTE TO WALTER L. SMITH, PH.D., SCHOLAR, DISTINGUISHED EDUCATOR AND 
                             GREAT AMERICAN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. CARRIE P. MEEK

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 13, 2000

  Mrs. MEEK of Florida. Mr. Speaker, as Americans all across this land 
of ours celebrate graduation--a time of transition--from schools and 
colleges, I rise to pay tribute to Walter L. Smith, Ph.D., a scholar 
and professor of many years who will be transitioning from a 
distinguished and storied career in education into retirement this 
spring.
  When I think about Dr. Smith and his many contributions to higher 
education, our nation, and the world, I'm reminded of a phrase from a 
favorite old poem:

``To sow a dream and see it spread and grow
To light a lamp and watch its brightness gleam
Here is a gift that is divine I know
To give a young child a dream.''

  Mr. Speaker, throughout his nearly forty year career in education, 
Dr. Smith has given generations of young men and women, the world over, 
so many wonderful dreams. It's been said that our children are our gift 
to a future that we will never see: Through his many years of labor and 
unselfish devotion to education Dr. Smith has helped generations of 
young Americans transform their wonderful dreams into a beautiful 
reality. These efforts will continue to bear fruit for generations to 
come.
  Dr. Smith has always believed that the vast majority of our nation's 
children can be good students who will become good citizens. They are 
intelligent and they are longing for knowledge. He has also always 
insisted that society cannot, and should not, forget that small 
minority of students who are not ``good'' students or citizens. He's 
believed that we cannot just cast those few children, who simply lack 
proper leadership, out in to the cold solitude of ignorance. Rather he 
believes that it is these few, who we as a society, must truly 
concentrate upon. Dr. Smith has taught us all that it is our 
responsibility as role models to keep our youth on the right path--in 
schools, in class, and involved.
  Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Dr. Walter L. Smith, upon his retirement. 
He has truly lived the life of a model citizen and he has earned the 
right to say that he's made a difference.
  Few have achieved the success that Walter Smith has known in his 
profession. Few have achieved such universal respect and love from his 
fellow man. Few men have known the thrill that has come to this 
compassionate giant in taking young men and women and instilling 
confidence and pride in them to the extent that those lessons are never 
forgotten.
  Mr. Speaker, It is with great pride that I ask this body to join with 
me in saluting, Dr. Walter L. Smith, a giant among men, a great 
Floridian, and indeed, truly a great American.

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