[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 99 (Wednesday, July 26, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1322]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     A TRIBUTE TO DR. JUDSON HARPER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BOB SCHAFFER

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 25, 2000

  Mr. SCHAFFER. Mr. Speaker, today, on the eve of his impending 
retirement, I honor Dr. Judson M. Harper, Vice President for Research 
and Information Technology and Professor of Chemical and Bioresearch 
Engineering, at Colorado State University (CSU), located in Ft. 
Collins, Colorado. During his tenure at the University, Dr. Harper has 
been instrumental in positioning CSU as a world-class leader for 
research in the fields of animal sciences, information technology, 
natural resources management, atmospheric sciences, and agriculture.
  In 1993, Dr. Harper orchestrated the construction of the Animal 
Reproduction and Biotechnology Lab, located on the campus of CSU. With 
the acquisition of this nationally-renowned research facility, CSU 
became the first in the nation to develop artificial insemination 
procedures for livestock. Other accomplishments associated with the lab 
include pioneering efforts in gene splicing and cloning. Research 
projects from the Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology Lab have also 
ensured the United States' livestock production industry remains 
competitive internationally.
  Dr. Harper is also primarily responsible for establishing the Center 
for Geosciences at CSU. The Center, in partnership with the Department 
of Defense, is entering into a fourth phase of research projects to 
develop more sophisticated equipment and technology to better 
understand weather dynamics as it relates to military activities.
  Dr. Harper has not only provided leadership in the scientific arena, 
but as the interim president in 1887, when Dr. Albert Yates, current 
CSU President, was away on sabbatical. Dr. Harper also directed the 
University through perhaps its darkest period. The flood of 1997, one 
of the worst weather disasters in the history of the state, claimed 
five lives, destroyed 2000 homes, and damaged 212 businesses, resulting 
in a $200 million loss. Thirty buildings on the CSU campus sustained 
damage and nearly 200 faculty, staff, and students were displaced. Many 
books were ruined, and tragically, many faculty lost much of their 
life's work. Disaster officials were extremely impressed with CSU's 
rapid recovery, many attributing the credit to Dr. Harper.
  An active administrator and respected researcher, Dr. Harper is 
recognized internationally as an expert in the area of food extrusion, 
a process by which food ingredients are heated and fashioned in an 
effort to achieve desired shapes and textures. Food extrusion is energy 
efficient, cost effective, and has become a central part of many modern 
food processing operations. His accomplishments in this area include 77 
journal publications, two books, and 10 separate chapters in other 
works. In addition, he is also the co-holder of five U.S. patents.
  Mr. Speaker, I have had the good fortune to work with Dr. Harper for 
many years and on many projects during my service as a Colorado State 
Senator and a United States Congressman. I regard him as a friend, an 
honorable public servant, a scholar, and one of the most decent human 
beings I've ever met. Dr. Harper's devotion to Colorado State 
University and the people of Colorado has been the basis for the 
profound legacy he has established.
  Future generations may one day become unfamiliar with the name of Jud 
Harper, but all will be touched just the same by his exemplary work and 
his superior intellect. There are many reasons Colorado State 
University has risen to the top of higher education achievement. Dr. 
Jud Harper is among the most significant leaders who have positioned 
the institution in a place of such world-class prestige.
  Mr. Speaker, Dr. Jud Harper is leaving behind a tremendous legacy as 
he moves on from Colorado State University to the next phase of his 
life. He will truly be missed.

                          ____________________