[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 105 (Thursday, July 28, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Pages S9278-S9279]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   RETIREMENT OF DR. BRUCE HALVERSON

 Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize and 
honor Dr. Bruce Halverson on the occasion of his retirement as 
president of Augustana College in Sioux Falls, SD.
  Dr. Halverson, a native of Sioux Falls, is the first alumnus to ever 
serve as Augustana's president. As a member of the class of 1966, he 
majored in speech and drama, earning cum laude distinctions. He 
continued his education at the University of Washington where he 
secured his Ph.D. in theater history in 1971.
  Following graduation, Dr. Halverson compiled an impressive resume, 
including an array of educational and theatrical credits. As a theater 
director throughout the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s, he worked with award-
winning actors, producing and directing pieces he occasionally even co-
authored. In addition to his professional stage work, Dr. Halverson 
served as dean of the School of Theatre at Florida State University, as 
well as artistic director and chairman of theater departments at 
various universities, including the University of Illinois, Grinnell 
College, and Ithaca College. Moreover, he was director of education at 
the National Institute for the Deaf, where he displayed his skills and 
dedication as an educator and advocate of equal opportunity. Most 
recently, Dr. Halverson has shown his commitment to South Dakota by 
returning to his alma mater in 2000 as the 22nd president of Augustana 
College.
  During his presidency, Augustana implemented $13 million in projects 
to expand the campus, including constructing the Fantle Building for 
the Center for Western Studies, enhancing the Elmen Center, and 
creating the Center for the Visual Arts. A new football training 
facility is also in progress. Under Dr. Halverson's leadership, 
Augustana's $50 million Sunrise Capital Campaign is expected to 
successfully conclude around the time of his retirement. Further, he 
has been praised for his work in securing a record number of State 
scholarships for Augustana students. In recognition of his dedication 
to the college, Augustana's board of trustees asked

[[Page S9279]]

Dr. Halverson to continue his work with the school following his 
retirement. As the school newspaper, Augustana Today, notes: Halverson 
has laid the groundwork for his successor by enhancing Augustana's 
financial viability, encouraging faculty research, undertaking 
strategic planning, and strengthening alumni support.
  Additionally, Dr. Halverson is a steadfast proponent of eliminating 
barriers for people with disabilities, particularly concerning theater 
and the arts. His compassion and outspoken commitment have moved him to 
write extensively on the topic, as well as travel all over our country, 
speaking and presenting at various conferences. As Augustana's first 
president proficient in sign language, it is clear that Dr. Halverson 
personifies his values and takes to heart his role as an educator.
  Mr. President, it is an honor for me to share the impressive 
accomplishments of Dr. Bruce Halverson with my colleagues. I commend 
him for his tireless dedication to theatre, education, and enhancing 
the arts, especially in the State of South Dakota. The lives of 
countless people have been enormously enhanced by Dr. Halverson's 
talent and leadership as president of Augustana College. I wish the 
very best for him, his wife Nancy, and their three sons Tait, Jeffry 
and Cole, as Dr. Halverson continues to contribute to and improve 
education throughout South Dakota. 

                          ____________________