[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 31 (Thursday, March 11, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E361]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO DR. HELEN WASHBURN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. IKE SKELTON

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 11, 2004

  Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, it has come to my attention that Dr. Helen 
Washburn will retire as President of Cottey College in Nevada, 
Missouri. Cottey College is a two-year, independent women's college 
that for the past 18 years has benefitted from the fine leadership of 
Dr. Washburn.
  In her time at Cottey College, Dr. Washburn has been the most 
valuable of leaders. Seeing needs, she worked to address them and make 
the experience at Cottey of the highest quality. As an example, Dr. 
Washburn was instrumental in combating a trend that she observed of 
young women losing interest in math and sciences at a young age. In 
response, she created a summer science camp held on the Cottey campus. 
This camp was exclusively for young women. In addition, Dr. Washburn's 
long-range planning efforts resulted in an Associate of Science degree 
to compliment the Associate of Arts already offered.
  Dr. Washburn's efforts to aid in the education of young women can be 
seen in other aspects of Cottey College. She led the campaign to 
construct the Rubie Burton Academic Center, a state-of-the-art academic 
facility that helps students keep up with the latest technology. The 
Center for Women's Leadership aids young women in becoming tomorrow's 
leaders. Most recently, under Dr. Washburn's leadership, Cottey College 
received ten-year continued accreditation with The Higher Learning 
Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
  In recognition of the many accomplishments realized during her time 
as President of Cottey College, Dr. Washburn has been the recipient of 
many awards. For her efforts in creating an international community on 
campus, the French government named her an Officer in the National 
Order of Merit. In 2003, she was named Chief Executive Officer of the 
Year for District VI of the Council for the Advancement and Support of 
Education. In addition, the University of Idaho, from which she earned 
her bachelor's and master's degrees, presented her with the prestigious 
Silver and Gold award, an honor based on career achievement, and the 
University of Idaho Alumni Association inducted Dr. Washburn into its 
Hall of Fame.
  There can be no greater testament to an educator than the 
accomplishments of her students. The many women who have passed through 
the halls of Cottey College under the leadership and direction of Dr. 
Washburn have proven to be a worthy and lasting legacy. And though Dr. 
Washburn will soon be leaving the Cottey campus, many more women in the 
years to come will benefit from her outstanding work during her 18 
years as its President.
  Mr. Speaker, I am sure the Members of the House will join me in 
honoring Dr. Helen Washburn for her years of service and in wishing her 
all the best in the days ahead.

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