[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 30 (Tuesday, February 25, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E284]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO TOM HIGGINS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 25, 2003

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great sincerity and enthusiasm 
that I wish to congratulate a distinguished member of the First 
Congressional District of Indiana. Mr. Tom Higgins has been a fixture 
of the Northwest Indiana community since his radio career began in 
1955. The Communicators of Northwest Indiana will deservedly honor him 
on Thursday, February 20, 2003 as a salute to his dedicated service, 
and to congratulate him on his retirement. Proceeds from the event will 
benefit the Scholarship Fund of the Communicators of Northwest Indiana.
  Mr. Speaker, Tom Higgins carried a passion for broadcasting 
throughout his educational career at Indiana University, where he 
earned a degree in Radio Journalism in 1955. During this tine in 
Bloomington, Tom worked at WFIU as a news and scriptwriter, on-air 
personality, and news director. He also found an outlet for his talents 
at WTTS, where he hosted a weekly program. It was at Indiana University 
where Tom began to pursue his interest in radio and television 
journalism, and he was able to hone and perfect his talents while at 
this prestigious university.
  After graduating from Indiana University, Tom began his broadcasting 
career at WLOI radio station in LaPorte, Indiana. After a tour in the 
military, he returned to Northwest Indiana in 1957 and began working at 
WWCA in Gary. Tom not only blessed the citizens of Gary with his 
talents, but he also worked part time at WAKE in Valparaiso, Indiana, 
eventually calling football games for Valparaiso University. He later 
returned full time to WWCA, where he used his talents in various 
positions, including announcer, air personality, producer, and station 
manager, until July 1983. During his tenure at WWCA, Tom developed a 
four station network to expand an existing live radio show named 
``Third Tuesday'', which aired with a live audience, orchestra, and 
notable guests, for two years.
  Mr. Speaker, station managers in Northwest Indiana recognized the 
talent that Tom possessed for broadcasting in radio and, because of 
this strong background, provided him an opportunity to pursue a 
television career in 1967. He served as the play-by-play announcer for 
the regional telecast of the Indiana State High School Basketball 
Tourney for six years. During his work for the Senior Little League 
World Series, Tom was given the opportunity to broadcast games that 
were featured in Delaware, California, Aruba, and Taiwan, as well as 
locally. He also worked as the play-by-play announcer for the Indiana 
All-Star football game in 1982.
  In search of a new challenge, Tom joined the staff at Indiana 
University Northwest in Gary as the Director of Community Relations and 
development in 1984. He was eventually named the Director of Alumni 
Relations, a position he successfully held for sixteen years. During 
that time, Tom was quickly asked to return to the broadcasting 
business. He worked part time at WWJY-FM in Crown Point, and later 
tackled the additional responsibility of co-anchor of a new television 
news hour at WYIN. Tom recalls an extensive period of time where he 
would work the morning shift at WWJY, direct the Alumni Affairs office 
during the workday, and co-host the Indiana Nightly Report each day. It 
is this work ethic and dedication on which the people of Northwest 
Indiana pride themselves, and it allowed Tom to achieve the success 
that he has enjoyed.
  Mr. Speaker, at this time I ask that you and my other distinguished 
colleagues join me in honoring and congratulating Mr. Tom Higgins for 
an outstanding career, not only in broadcast journalism, but in service 
to his community. Tom's leadership and passion for his career are to be 
commended, and his professional absence from the Northwest Indiana 
community will surely be missed.

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