[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 118 (Tuesday, September 20, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1895-E1896]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING DR. MARIE V. McDEMMOND

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES P. MORAN

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 20, 2005

  Mr. MORAN of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in honor of Dr. 
Marie V. McDemmond, immediate past president of Norfolk State 
University and the 2005 Forever Upward award designee for her service 
and dedication to the cause of higher education in the Commonwealth of 
Virginia.
  Dr. McDemmond retired from Norfolk State University as president 
earlier this year, and while her indelible leadership skills will be 
sorely missed by all, I am pleased that Marie has chosen to continue to 
continue to serve NSU by teaching.
  Dr. Marie McDemmond made great strides in 1997 when she began her 
presidency at Norfolk State University by not only being the first 
woman to lead the university, but also the first African-American woman 
to head a public, 4-year institution of higher education in the 
Commonwealth of Virginia. Under her leadership, Norfolk State 
University has developed into a vibrant institution with cutting edge 
programs and operations, and is poised to be a leader in information 
technologies and other

[[Page E1896]]

fields that significantly contribute to our Nation's economy.
  Under Dr. McDemmond's leadership, Norfolk State University's 
reputation as a leading minority-serving institution has soared. Dr. 
McDemmond's vision has also helped to bridge both the digital divide 
and opportunity divide at several Historically Black colleges and other 
universities. Her innovative style, while working with other leading 
educators and government officials, contributed to these great 
successes will benefit the entire higher education community for many 
years to come.
  I am pleased to rise in honor Dr. Marie McDemmond, a true education 
leader who embodies Norfolk State University's creed of ``Achieving 
with Excellence.''

                          ____________________