[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 163 (Thursday, November 29, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2168]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                 RECOGNIZING THE SERVICE OF THOMAS KEAN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MARGE ROUKEMA

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 29, 2001

  Mrs. ROUKEMA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of an 
exceptional leader and role model for all New Jersey, our former 
governor, the Honorable Thomas H. Kean. Today, Governor Kean will be 
honored at the ``Evening with the Governors'' 2001 Good Scout Awards of 
the Northern New Jersey Council of Boy Scouts of America. Governor Kean 
has turned his ability to both serve and lead into a career of 
tremendous public service. As Governor of New Jersey, he worked hard 
for New Jersey, and New Jersey thanked him, re-electing him to a second 
term as he won by more than 700,000 votes. This evening, we will honor 
the Governor for his dedicated work.
  Governor Kean is remembered for policy, not politics. Known for his 
immense knowledge of education issues and ability to connect with so 
many residents of New Jersey, Governor Kean was one of our most popular 
governors in state history. During his two-terms in office in the 
1980s, Governor Kean was responsible for more than 30 education 
reforms, landmark environmental policies, and tax cuts that created 
750,000 jobs in New Jersey. Governor Kean's work truly helped New 
Jersey residents and even today he is one of our most recognized 
leaders in New Jersey government.
  His recognition extends well outside of our state. In 1988, Governor 
Kean delivered the keynote address at the Republican National 
Convention and has been recognized by three presidents as ``The 
Education Governor.'' He holds numerous awards from environmental and 
educational organizations including more than 30 honorary degrees. 
Governor Kean serves on the Board of Trustees of his two alma maters--
Princeton University and Columbia University Teachers College. He is 
also chairman of the Carnegie Corporation of New York and the National 
Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy.
  However it is education that continues to be of great importance to 
Governor Kean. Since leaving New Jersey political life in 1990, 
Governor Kean has served as President of Drew University in Madison, 
New Jersey, where he has led Drew to become one of the nation's 
premiere small universities with a focus on teaching, technology in the 
classroom, and international educational experience. Since beginning 
his tenure, undergraduate applications have increased astronomically, 
endowment has tripled in size, and the University has launched its 
first comprehensive fund-raising campaign. Yet Governor Kean's passion 
seems to still reside in the classroom, and he is often found there. As 
one who shares his education background, I understand his desire to not 
only work with education policies, but most importantly with the 
students. I commend him for this dedication.
  I thank Governor Tom Kean for all that he has done for our state of 
New Jersey. He has accomplished great things and continues to do so. 
His heart truly focuses on policies and people, not politics and 
partisanship. In this way, he is a role model for all in this chamber.

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