[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 14 (Monday, January 27, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E70]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO DR. WILLIAM D. CRIST

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ROBERT T. MATSUI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, January 27, 2003

  Mr. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise in tribute to Dr. William D. Crist, 
one of Sacramento's most outstanding citizen leaders. Dr. Crist has 
served his term as the President of the Board of Administration for the 
California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) with great 
distinction. As his friends and family gather to celebrate Dr. Crist's 
numerous achievements, I ask all of my colleagues to join with me in 
saluting one of Sacramento's most accomplished citizens.
  Dr. Crist first joined the CalPERS Board in 1987 and became its 
President in 1992. During his fifteen years of service, CalPERS 
achieved tremendous growth in its pension fund. As a result of his 
considerable contributions, CalPERS became the standard in the health 
benefits arena and a leader in corporate governance and shareholder 
rights.
  Under his leadership, CalPERS was able to secure a brighter future 
for 1.3 million California public employees, retirees and their 
families. CalPERS has been a powerful advocate for strong corporate 
governance requiring the attention and dedication of company officers, 
directors, and shareholders. Dr. Crist has long been a leader in 
calling for corporate governance activism. All in all, Dr. Crist has 
steadfastly promoted the interests of CalPERS and its enrollees with 
great success for the past fifteen years.
  Long before his illustrious career with CalPERS, Dr. Crist enjoyed a 
distinguished career in academics. Dr. Crist, a Professor of Economics 
at California State University Stanislaus, rose to the rank of chair of 
the Department of Economics from 1986 to 1990. In addition, he also 
held a number of Academic Senate and faculty association positions 
during his academic career. Dr. Crist was the State President of the 
California Faculty Association from 1976 to 1985.
  As a scholar, Dr. Crist made a number of significant professional and 
scholarly contributions to a variety of important subject matters. Dr. 
Crist authored scores of articles regarding collective bargaining in 
higher education, public retirement systems, and corporate governance. 
Dr. Crist's innovative ideas and sterling reputation earned him a 
number of prestigious distinctions: co-chair of the Council of 
Institutional Investors, CII Executive Committee member, a seat on the 
International Corporate Governance Network Board of Governors.
  Dr. Crist's unparalleled success in the classroom and the boardroom 
truly makes him one of California's most accomplished and treasured 
citizens. Dr. Crist's outstanding service to Californians, which has 
spanned the course of four decades, will surely be missed. Yet, we can 
all take comfort in knowing that his commitment to help improve the 
lives of others will undoubtedly serve as a shining example to others 
who follow his leadership.
  Mr. Speaker, as Dr. William Crist's friends and family gather for his 
retirement celebration, I am honored to pay tribute to one of 
Sacramento's most honorable residents. His successes are considerable, 
and it is great honor for me to have the opportunity to pay tribute to 
his contributions. I ask all my colleagues to join with me in wishing 
Dr. William Crist continued success in all his future endeavors.

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