[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 66 (Tuesday, May 6, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E872]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


 EDUCATIONAL INNOVATOR--SR. JOEL READ RETIRES AS PRESIDENT OF ALVERNO 
                                COLLEGE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GERALD D. KLECZKA

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 6, 2003

  Mr. KLECZKA. Mr. Speaker, on Thursday, May 22, 2003 the Milwaukee 
community will honor Sr. Joel Read for 35 years of distinctive and 
dedicated service to Alverno College.
  A member of the School Sisters of St. Francis and President of 
Alverno College since 1968, under her leadership, Sr. Joel and Alverno 
College have gained national and international recognition for their 
innovation in education. Sr. Joel's commitment and hard work has led to 
the introduction of Alverno's ability-based curriculum, which has 
placed Alverno at the forefront of education as a liberal arts college.
  Her efforts in this area have brought her high honors from other 
educators. Sr. Joel has been described by her colleagues as someone who 
has emerged as one of the country's most remarkable leaders in higher 
education. She is legendary in our community for her passionate spirit 
and steadfast approach to getting results.
  So distinguished is her reputation that educational associations 
across the nation seek Sr. Joel's assistance. She has received numerous 
local and national awards and recognitions for her dedicated support to 
higher education, the advancement of women and the development of our 
communities. Awards and recognitions include: Anne Roe Award, Pope John 
XXIII Award, Morris T. Keeton Award, Sacajawea Award, Lifetime 
Leadership Award, Distinguished Service Award, and Outstanding Woman of 
Achievement--just to name a few.
  Sr. Joel is actively involved in volunteering her time and talents to 
various organizations and causes. She is a founder of the Milwaukee 
Achiever Program, has served with the Goals for Milwaukee 2000 Task 
Force, the United Way of Greater Milwaukee, and the Mayor's 
Beautification Committee and was appointed by the Governor to the 
Wisconsin National and Community Service Board. Currently, she serves 
as a board member in several organizations, including the Greater 
Milwaukee Committee, Junior Achievement of Wisconsin, and the YMCA.
  I congratulate Sr. Joel for 35 years of visionary leadership and 
devotion to Alverno College and to women in higher education. Her 
significant contributions have broken educational ground and have 
placed Alverno College on the map as a national and international 
leader in education. May God continue to bless her in her retirement, 
and as she takes on new challenges within the community.

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