[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 53 (Wednesday, April 27, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E804]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO DR. ANNE J. MATULA

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. SOLOMON P. ORTIZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 27, 2005

  Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay special tribute to a 
unique and distinguished woman from Portland, Texas: Dr. Anne J. 
Matula, who is greatly admired for her leadership in education and who 
is retiring from her work in education and service.
  Dr. Matula is the former Dean of Business Career and Technology 
Programs at Del Mar College. Presently, she serves as an assistant to 
the Vice President of the university, and as an adjunct instructor at 
the University of the Incarnate Word.
  Her deep conviction and strong character were apparent even when she 
graduated as the valedictorian from Odem High School. She obtained a 
Bachelor of Science degree, Summa Cum Laude (the highest honors) and a 
master's degree in Business Administration from Texas A&I. Following 
that, she completed a Joint Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership 
at the Texas A&M Universities at Corpus Christi and Kingsville, Texas.
  Her educational background clearly supports her firm belief in 
education. Thriving to pursue this endeavor, she devoted a major part 
of her life to teaching. She began her teaching experiences at H.M. 
King High School in Kingsville, TX and Gregory-Portland High School in 
Gregory, TX. Just right after, she began teaching at Del Mar College in 
Corpus Christi as an instructor, assistant professor, and associate 
professor. Later on, she became an adjunct instructor at the college as 
needed. Dr. Matula served a tenure of 23 years at Del Mar College, 
which she led with incomparable competence. She was also an adjunct 
instructor at Texas A&M University in Corpus Christi.
  Her participation in a number of civic organizations, such as the 
Coastal Bend Council of Governments and the San Patricio Economic 
Development Corporation, reflect her commitment to help the community. 
She has given many years of service on boards and forums, including the 
Junior League of Corpus Christi Advisory Board, the Regional Community 
Leaders Forum, the National Conference for Community and Justice, and 
the Board of Trustees of the Gregory-Portland Independent School 
District, on which she served for five elected terms. Dress for Success 
South Texas is another important board on which she served and of which 
she was the founding member.
  She has also been distinguished for her membership in various 
professional organizations, such as the Delta Kappa Gamma Society 
International (Gamma Psi Chapter), Phi Alpha Kappa, the Texas 
Association of School Boards, the Texas Community College Teachers 
Association, and the Texas Association of College Technical Educators 
(TACTE).
  As a woman of great talent and dedication, Dr. Matula has been 
recognized and presented with various awards and prominent 
recognitions. It is a pleasure and privilege to honor Dr. Matula, whose 
passion and dedication to help others is immeasurable. Her years of 
commitment to higher education make her a distinctive and unique voice 
in our community. Dr. Matula is loved by all the students whose lives 
she has touched and will remain in their hearts as a prominent figure 
in their education and future success.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Dr. Anne J. Matula on the 
occasion of her retirement.

                          ____________________