[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 161 (Thursday, December 15, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2554-E2555]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO DORENA KNEPPER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRAD SHERMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 15, 2005

  Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of myself and my 
California colleague Howard ``Buck'' McKeon to honor a talented 
individual, Dorena Knepper, on the occasion of her retirement as 
director of Government Affairs at California State University, 
Northridge. Due in no small part to Dorena's hard work, guidance and 
support, CSUN has become one of the largest and most prominent 
universities in the California State University system.
  Just last year we congratulated Dorena upon the celebration of her 40 
years of public service at CSUN. During her impressive tenure, Dorena 
has made an exceptional contribution both to the university and to the 
greater community. Working with her on Federal appropriations and other 
legislative

[[Page E2555]]

issues, I have been impressed by her dedication and efficacy. Few 
individuals are as deserving of recognition.
  Dorena's 40 years of service speak volumes about her personal 
investment in, and dedication to, the CSUN community. Dorena began her 
relationship with the university as a student at what was then San 
Fernando Valley State College. Dorena has been employed at CSUN since 
1964. Beginning in 1972, she held a variety of positions in the Office 
of the President, including 16 years as executive assistant for former 
President James Cleary. Her career in governmental relations began in 
1982 when she dealt primarily with community inquiries. Today, as 
director of Governmental Affairs, Dorena oversees the seamless 
operation of CSUN's local, State, and Federal Government relations.
  Dorena is equally comfortable whether working with national leaders, 
students, staff, or community members. She is a leader on campus, 
serving on and chairing diverse faculty, administrative, staff and 
student committees. She also deals effectively with the concerns of the 
local community. This dexterity was evidenced by her work during the 
aftermath of the 1994 Northridge Earthquake. The Earthquake hit the 
University hard, causing extensive damage throughout the campus. Dorena 
coordinated visits from local and national leaders to help them survey 
the damage and plan the recovery. She arranged a campus visit by 
President Clinton on the first anniversary of the earthquake. That 
presidential visit brought national attention to the importance of CSUN 
as a vital center of higher education in the Los Angeles area and 
helped promote the recovery.
  Active in numerous business groups, including three chambers of 
commerce and the Valley Industry and Commerce Association, she also is 
a legislative advocate for two nonprofit charitable associations.
  Mr. Speaker, please join Mr. McKeon and me in honoring Dorena 
Knepper, a remarkable woman who has dedicated her life and career to 
CSUN, its students and to promoting higher education and civic service 
in the San Fernando Valley. We all wish her a fulfilling retirement.

                          ____________________