[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 172 (Sunday, November 23, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2431-E2432]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING SISTER JEANNE O'LAUGHLIN

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. E. CLAY SHAW, JR.

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 21, 2003

  Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the amazing 
life and contributions of Sister Jeanne O'Laughlin, OP, Ph.D., as she 
prepares to retire from service to the Barry University community this 
December. Sister Jeanne is the president of Barry University, which is 
located in Miami Shores, Florida. Since becoming president in 1981, 
Sister Jeanne has worked endlessly to increase the reputation and 
endowment of Barry University, raise hundreds of millions of dollars 
for her student's aid, and create a student body and alumni that 
stretches 70 countries, ranking number one in diversity among southern 
regional universities.
  Sister Jeanne O'Laughlin was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan 
where she first learned what it meant to love and educate. As a little 
girl, she realized that in order to stop hatred, crime, and injustice, 
education must be the first priority on any agenda. Sister recalls the 
story when she was a 13-year old girl riding a streetcar in Detroit, 
she noticed a black woman enter the car with four small children. As 
the streetcar lurched forward, one of the children fell into her lap. 
Without hesitating, young Jeanne gladly held the young child for the 
remainder of the ride. Later, as a man departed the streetcar, he 
walked by and spit on young Jeanne.
  Startled by what occurred, Jeanne asked her father later that evening 
why the man spit on her. Jeanne's father replied, ``prejudice''. 
Innocently, Jeanne asked, ``how do you stop that?'' ``Education'' was 
her father's answer. This simple response began a vision. A vision we 
honor today.
  The Adrian Dominican Sisters founded Barry University in 1940, as a 
university dedicated to educating women. Since then, the University has 
continued to be administered by women, including the last 22-years with 
Sister Jeanne at the helm. My first year in the people's House, was 
also Sister's first year as Barry president. The year was 1981, and for 
Sister Jeanne it was the beginning of an educational revolution. In 22 
tremendous years, Barry has changed from a predominantly women's 
university of 2,000, into a diverse campus of 8,500. She has raised 
nearly $170 million for the university since she took office and has 
seen the university contribute nearly $200 million to South Florida's 
economy last year.
  Under the supervision of Sister Jeanne, Barry has been able to 
sustain in excess of 1,000 employees, up from 340 when Sister Jeanne 
started in 1981. Barry's budget has also increased dramatically rising 
from $8.3 million to a staggering $100 million. Barry's endowment has 
also risen more than 2,000 percent to $22 million during the past 22 
years. The university now offers seven doctoral degrees, including the 
only Doctor of Podiatric Medicine in the Southeast, and only seven 
universities in the country to offer such a degree. During her term as 
president, Sister Jeanne has inspired those around her to give more and 
more of themselves to better the lives of the students of Barry 
University. A tireless educator, Sister Jeanne has not only contributed 
greatly to Barry University, but also to many other institutions around 
Florida and the nation.
  Sister Jeanne has served as chair of the Council of Independent 
Colleges from 1994-1996, the chair of the Association of Catholic 
Colleges and Universities also from 1994-1996, and as an Executive 
Council member of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools' 
Commission on Colleges from 1991-1996. Just in Florida alone, Sister 
Jeanne has

[[Page E2432]]

served as president of the Florida Association of Colleges and 
Universities and chairman of the Independent Colleges and Universities. 
As a testament to her dedication to education, four Florida 
universities: Holy Cross College, University of Miami, Rollins College, 
and Lynn University, have conferred honorary degrees on Sister Jeanne, 
making her one of the most respected and loved educators in Florida's 
history.
  Sister Jeanne has also been an advocate of revitalizing South 
Florida's economy. South Florida's power elite noticed her qualities 
and dedication and named Sister the first female member of two 
exclusive groups: The Orange Bowl Committee and the Non-Group. The 
Orange Bowl Committee is a group of dedicated, South Florida 
volunteers, who are committed to bringing tourism to South Florida 
through the annual college football game. Now, one of the four most 
prestigious college football bowl games in America, the Orange Bowl 
festivities bring in an excess of 150,000 visitors every year, which 
contribute to a thriving South Florida economy.
  Despite all her dedication and hard work, even Sister Jeanne is 
susceptible to illness and in 1996, Sister was diagnosed with lung 
cancer. However, even this disease could not stop her determination. 
Following disclosing publicly her illness, Sister helped raise 
awareness and funds for the American Cancer Society.
  Mr. Speaker, as a fellow lung cancer survivor, I know how difficult 
life seems after being diagnosed with such a terrible illness. For 
Sister Jeanne to continue her work like this is an inspiration to every 
cancer patient and survivor in America. I am also grateful to Sister 
for her thoughts and prayers during my illness earlier this year.

  Sister Jeanne is a dear friend, and someone I am truly proud to know 
and love. Sister Jeanne's vision continues. Her love for Barry and 
South Florida is evident evermore. Under Sister Jeanne's supervision, 
Barry University is attempting the largest construction project in 
Miami Shores history. Nearly $18 million will bring a new student 
center and residence hall to accommodate the growing student 
population, which Sister Jeanne has pushed to grow and expand ever 
since she took office.
  Mr. Speaker, as Chairman of Florida's Congressional Delegation, I 
salute Sister Jeanne O'Laughlin for her 22 years as President of Barry 
University. May God bless Sister Jeanne O'Laughlin.

                          ____________________