[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 57 (Tuesday, May 1, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E685]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               IN HONOR OF CLAIRE A. VAN UMMERSEN, PH.D.

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 1, 2001

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the tireless efforts 
of Dr. Van Ummersen. Dr. Claire A. Van Ummersen has gone above and 
beyond her duty in furthering the mission of Cleveland State University 
as one of the great urban universities in the nation.
  Dr. Claire Van Ummersen became president of Cleveland State 
University in April of 1993. Since that time, she has granted diplomas 
to over 20,000 graduates. Under her leadership, Cleveland University 
executed an extensive building construction program and implemented 
several resourceful degree programs. The University's endowment grew 
fourfold during her tenure. Recently, the North Central Association of 
Colleges and Schools Commission on Institutions of Higher Education 
suggested that Cleveland State University be honored continuing 
accreditation without qualification for the next ten years.
  Prior to her appointment at Cleveland State University, Dr. Van 
Ummersen facilitated as chancellor of the University System of New 
Hampshire. She also served as a vice chancellor of the Massachusetts 
Board of Regents of Higher Education.
  Dr. Van Ummersen has been continuously active on numerous boards and 
commissions. She earned her B.S. summa cum laude from Tufts University. 
Furthering her education, she earned an M.S. and a Ph.D. from the same 
university. Achieving high honors in her field of study, Dr. Claire Van 
Ummersen has been awarded two honorary Doctor of Science degrees, and 
she is a member of both Phi Beta Kappa and Sigma Xi honorary societies.
  In November, Dr. Van Ummersen announced she accepted an opportunity 
to work for the American Council of Higher Education as Vice President 
and Director of the Office of Women in Higher Education.
  In honor of Dr. Claire A. Van Ummersen's hard work and dedication, I 
ask my colleagues to join me today to recognize her efforts as a 
community leader and role model.

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