[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 73 (Thursday, May 24, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E928]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                TRIBUTE TO CYRUS M. ``RUSS'' JOLLIVETTE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. CARRIE P. MEEK

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 24, 2001

  Mrs. MEEK of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a 
man who has dedicated himself to the advancement of higher education 
and public service, Cyrus M. Jollivette, who is affectionately known as 
``Russ.''
  For 24 years, Russ Jollivette has compiled a remarkable record of 
achievement as the representative of the University of Miami, not only 
in these halls and in this city, but throughout Florida and the nation. 
He has announced his decision to leave the University now in further 
pursuit of his many interests. He leaves at the same time that the 
University's beloved president, Edward T. Foote, retires after 20 years 
at this institution. They leave together, two very extraordinary men 
whose mutual trust, skill, hard work and vision have left a permanent 
mark on the University and our entire community.
  Russ is long-time personal friend and one of the finest men that I 
know. He has had a remarkable impact on improving the lives of students 
at U of M and creating new opportunities for dozens of talented 
students and researchers in fields like biomedical research, 
international education and development and marine sciences. Through 
Russ' efforts, the University has secured almost $200 million in 
federal support for cutting-edge education, training and research 
objectives. He has worked with me on minority health and education 
issues, cancer, diabetes and marine research and environmental science 
issues. His abilities as a problem-solver are legendary. There are very 
few University representatives who have Russ Jollivette's 
professionalism, knowledge, commitment judgment and persuasive ability, 
or who can match his success.
  But his achievements do not begin or end with his service to the 
University. He is a special leader in the world of higher education and 
public service, and a leader in the African-American community. He 
understands the meaning of friendship in the truest sense. He comes 
from a prominent S. Florida family with a long history in our
  Russ Jollivette's name is synonymous with academic service and 
excellence. He holds a Masters in Business Administration and a law 
degree. At the University of Miami, he served for more than two decades 
as Vice President for Government Relations, as the Secretary of the 
University, as Director of Public Affairs, Director of the Foundation 
and Corporate Relations, and, for many years, as the Executive 
Assistant to the President. In recognition of this service to the 
University, Russ was just awarded the 2001 Alumnus of the Year Award. 
Standing ovations at that ceremony and at meetings of the University's 
Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees reflect the depth of 
feeling and respect for him throughout the University.
  In Florida, Russ Jollivette's reputation for public service and civic 
activities go well beyond U of M. Russ helped to shape the Florida 
Education as its Board Chairman and a Director--a fund dedicated to the 
advancement of African-American students with special promise to seek 
advanced degrees in many fields. He has served as a Chairman and 
Trustee for the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education 
(CASE) and as a Chairman and Trustee of the Public Health Trust of 
Miami-Dade County. He serves as Board Member and Secretary-Treasurer of 
the Miami Coalition for a Safe and Drug-Free Community and a member of 
the Orange Bowl Committee. He was a Board member of The Dade County 
Foundation and We Will Rebuild coalition following the devastation of 
Hurricane Andrew. The list goes on and on.
  Mr. Speaker, the University of Miami; the Florida Congressional 
Delegation and the Congress; the world of higher education and 
countless young lives have been well-served by Russ Jollivette. I know 
my colleagues join me in thanking him and wishing him well. We can 
hardly wait to see what he will accomplish next.

                          ____________________