[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 120 (Wednesday, September 29, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1724]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E1724]]
                IN HONOR OF KATHERINE EISENBERGER KEOUGH

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. LOUISE McINTOSH SLAUGHTER

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 28, 2004

  Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Dr. 
Katherine Eisenberger Keough, who served with absolute distinction as 
President of St. John Fisher College in Pittsford, NY, and departed 
this life on September 25, 2004. American academia has lost one of its 
most dedicated leaders, and the communities of Pittsford and Rochester, 
NY, have lost an exemplary leader and friend.
  Since assuming the presidency in 1996, Dr. Keough's tenure at St. 
John Fisher College was marked by progressive excellence and committed 
leadership. As the first woman president of a well respected college 
steeped in religious traditionalism, Katherine Keough ushered in a new 
and more prominent era at the college; one that will long speak for 
her, now that her own voice is silent.
  Guided by Dr. Keough's expertise and leadership, St. John Fisher 
College has initiated 20 new graduate and undergraduate programs and a 
new business school. Student enrollment at the college at this time is 
very close to double the number of students enrolled at the time Dr. 
Keough took office. New buildings are currently under construction at 
the college, which will include Dr. Keough's envisioned School of 
Pharmacy, a new residence hall and a new student center. Plans for 
these initiatives were in process at the time of Dr. Keough's untimely 
demise.
  While known for her stately and stoic persona, and widely respected 
for her strict adherence to personal and professional ethics, Dr. 
Keough also possessed a kind and generous spirit. Her family and 
friends will long remember her as an extraordinarily giving individual 
whose legacy will live on into infinity.
  In the 1970's when Dr. Keough's husband, William, visited the 
American Embassy in Iran before his scheduled return to America from a 
business trip abroad, he was seized by Iranian rebels and detained as a 
hostage, along with other unsuspecting Americans. After consideration 
of all of the relatives associated with the then American hostages in 
Iran, Dr. Katherine Keough emerged as the individual who could best 
articulate the thoughts and feelings of American families of hostages 
to then President Jimmy Carter. Dr. Keough's presentation to President 
Carter was a poignant one that assisted the President with bringing the 
hostage situation to a peaceful and successful conclusion.
  Mr. Speaker, today it is my great privilege to honor the life and 
profound works of Dr. Katherine Eisenberger Keough. I wish to extend my 
thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathy to Dr. Keough's son, Steven, her 
daughters, Kathryn and Alyssa, her six grandchildren and to her dear 
friends.

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