[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 59 (Friday, April 11, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E764]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              ROLF SCHULZE: ACADEMIC, UNION LEADER, FRIEND

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BOB FILNER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 10, 2003

  Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, I want to take this opportunity to recognize 
and congratulate Dr. Rolf Schulze upon the occasion of his retirement 
as a professor at San Diego State University (SDSU), the institution of 
learning at which I also taught for 20 years. Rolf has outdone me, 
though, with a teaching career of 34 years!
  I first met Rolf in the early 1970s, when we were both new to SDSU. I 
discovered a man of conviction, dedicated both to his academic 
endeavors and to his belief in the importance of the labor movement. 
Rolf began as a trade union member at 15 years of age. He came to the 
United States from Germany at age 17 with few dollars in his pocket but 
very large dreams. After serving in the military, he obtained his PhD 
at Michigan State University, followed by his appointment to teach at 
SDSU.
  Rolf became president of the United Professors of California in 1970 
and later, when it became the California Faculty Association, he served 
several more terms as president, as well as serving as a member of the 
SDSU Senate. He now is a member of the Executive Board of the San 
Diego/Imperial Counties Labor Council.
  Rolf exhibited his special talents in working for solidarity within 
his own union, as well as with other unions--promoting quality 
education, fair working conditions, compensation and benefits. He has 
been a leader in helping to institute many democratic cost reforms 
within the California academic system.
  As a Sociology professor, Rolf demonstrated his love of teaching, 
research, and writing. His students consider him to be an inspiration 
to them, coming back to acknowledge his influence years after their 
graduation. It is well known that there is ``standing room only'' on 
the first day of his classes. He challenges his students to think for 
themselves, to question, and not to settle for the status quo but 
always to look for better ways to solve problems and to guard our 
liberties.
  Rolf's way of solving problems at all levels is to communicate openly 
and to encourage the building of consensus. he has been a leader in 
bringing faculty, unions, and administration together for the 
betterment of all, not by grandstanding--which is not his way--but 
through his own brand of quiet, patient listening, showing respect for 
all points of view.
  Upon his retirement, he leaves the university a far better place. He 
is joined in celebrating his accomplishments by his wife Jane Carney 
Schulze, his sons Mark and Eric, and his daughters-in-law Patty Mooney 
and Tina Thomas.
  My best wishes go to my colleague and my good friend, Rolf Schulze.