[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 125 (Thursday, September 11, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1780]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E1780]]
HONORING THE DEDICATION OF THE NEW BARBARA DEER KUSS SCIENCE CENTER AT 
                         WITTENBERG UNIVERSITY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DAVID L. HOBSON

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 11, 2003

  Mr. HOBSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to draw attention to the 
upcoming September 19th dedication ceremony at Wittenberg University in 
Springfield, Ohio of a new and exciting facility that will greatly 
enhance the educational opportunities at this great institution of 
higher learning in Ohio's 7th Congressional District.
  I've lived in Springfield for most of my adult life and have seen 
Wittenberg University grow into one of the best liberal arts 
universities in Ohio. I have greatly enjoyed representing and working 
with the university.
  The Barbara Deer Kuss Center will house the university's departments 
of biology, chemistry, physics, geology, mathematics and computer 
science. The building will also house programs in biochemistry, 
molecular biology, marine biology, health professions and environmental 
studies.
  This $23 million endeavor is Wittenberg's most ambitious capital 
improvement to date, and marks the most significant improvement to the 
university's science facilities since the original construction of 
Science Hall in 1965.
  I was proud to have been able to help secure some of the funding to 
ensure that Wittenberg students and faculty have a safe environment to 
perform their research.
  The design of this new facility reflects the changing view of 
scientific and academic research in that it includes many glass walls 
to make ongoing research projects more visible to people as they move 
through the building. Like the new Hollenbeck Hall on campus, the Kuss 
Center is designed to optimize interaction between students, faculty 
and the science disciplines.
  One of the primary ways this is done is by the striking atrium, which 
connects the old and new parts of the building, allows natural light in 
and also lets visitors see what is happening on other floors.
  The facility is also a worthy tribute to my long-time friends Barbara 
and Richard Kuss, who were instrumental in moving this project forward.
  Richard Kuss has played a leadership role in each of Wittenberg's 
fund-raising efforts since 1952. He has served on the university board 
of directors and as president of its alumni association. He has 
received numerous awards and honors, including an honorary degree and 
the Medal of Honor from Wittenberg.
  Barbara Deer Kuss served the Springfield community in many ways 
throughout her adult life. For 30 years she served as a volunteer at 
Community Hospital and was a past-president of its Women's Auxiliary. 
She also was a major donor to Community Hospital and a 12-year member 
of the board of directors.
  Barbara also served on the boards of the Springfield Foundation, the 
Center for Sensory Motor Development, the Friends of Mercy St. John's 
Center, Clark Memorial Home Association and the Springfield YWCA and 
had honorary alumna status at Wittenberg University. This new facility 
will be a lasting tribute to the many ways that Barbara helped to make 
Springfield a better community.
  As the Member of Congress who represents Springfield and Wittenberg 
University in the U.S. House of Representatives, I again offer my 
congratulations on the completion of this important new educational 
facility. The Barbara Deer Kuss Science Center will be a new focal 
point of learning for students at Wittenberg University and the 
advanced facilities of this new structure will greatly assist their 
quest for scientific knowledge.

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