[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 23 (Tuesday, February 28, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E212-E213]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO DR. NANCY DICKEY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. CHET EDWARDS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 28, 2006

  Mr. EDWARDS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a champion for 
medical research and health care innovation in this country, Dr. Nancy 
Dickey, president of the Texas A&M University Health Science Center. 
The principled work of Dr. Dickey is testament to excellence in 
medicine and scientific research that will undoubtedly save countless 
lives.
  While the pursuit of excellence characterizes the mission of the 
students and faculty of the Texas A&M Health Science Center, it is 
their passionate commitment to the care of their fellow human beings 
that defines them and forges their vision for the future. There is no 
question that the architect of that vision is Dr. Nancy Dickey.
  As a graduate of Texas A&M, it is my privilege to honor the work of 
Dr. Nancy Dickey and I personally want to thank her for the shining 
example to us all and wish her well in her future endeavors.
  Mr. Speaker, at this time, I would like to enter into the Record a 
speech by Dr. Dickey that serves as a powerful reminder of the 
importance of vital medical research in this country and the 
groundbreaking work of the Texas A&M University Health Science Center.

Texas A&M Inaugural Convocation Speech by President and Vice Chancellor 
                          Dr. Nancy W. Dickey

       Today we are making history.
       We are assembled at this convocation not only to celebrate 
     our accomplishments and honor our outstanding faculty, but 
     also to affirm the honorable principles that guide us toward 
     our vision of excellence in medicine and the healthcare 
     professions. Let this day forever be remembered as the day 
     that the Texas A&M Health Science Center branded upon the 
     world's canvas our promise to change the lives of people 
     around the globe with the most outstanding health education, 
     compassionate care and superior science as we confidently 
     fulfill the obligations of our sacred oaths.
       Let no one doubt that our faculty is composed of men and 
     women who are devoted healthcare professionals, educators and 
     researchers of extraordinary competence and integrity. We 
     believe that every human life is precious and that this great 
     institution and its members are obligated and committed to 
     providing everyone with the best care and leadership 
     possible. Our care for the body is strengthened by our faith 
     in the intrinsic worth of every human soul. Therefore, our 
     current practices provide important and lifegiving care to 
     individuals, insight and direction to communities, and 
     research that provides the hope that tomorrow will be better 
     than today.
       Those of us who have dedicated our lives to the health 
     professions, indeed our vocations, believe that we are making 
     a difference. We all benefit from an understanding of the 
     past, the experiences of the present and the intellectual 
     curiosity that discovers and invents those things that will 
     enrich and strengthen our future. We believe firmly in our 
     mission, and we are convinced that our faculty, staff and 
     students are transcending all expectations as they make the 
     world a better place in which to work and live. Our efforts 
     have just begun, and the fruits of our labor shall have no 
     end.
       What then are the guiding principles of our organization 
     that lead us to distinction in education programs, prominence 
     in scientific research, and innovation? And, what are the 
     guiding principles that make our care of those who suffer 
     illness more compassionate, comprehensive and successful?
       We pursue excellence in all we do. We are committed to 
     providing the best care imaginable for all Texans. We have a 
     special calling and duty to serve with sincerity and 
     compassion the rural and under-served populations in the 
     great State of Texas. When one person in our state is without 
     needed care, we all suffer. If we know anything from quantum 
     physics, it is that everything in the universe is connected 
     in one way or another. Therefore, we intend to see to it that 
     our connections are cared for with expertise and excellence.
       We are convinced that the myriad of multiform fibers 
     composing the human body make it stronger, just as the 
     diverse population of our state make our mosaic stronger, 
     better and more beautiful. We take pride in the cultural 
     diversity found in Texas and we are privileged to serve with 
     tenderness and understanding all people, regardless of race, 
     religion, cultural heritage or gender. We do not limit our 
     inquiries or services based upon preconceived ideas or 
     outdated conceptions of who is and who is not worthy. Every 
     person is worthy, and we are eternally invested in the solemn 
     American promise of serving everyone fairly, equally and 
     honorably.
       We will never compromise our integrity or our academic 
     freedom. We are steadfast in our enduring commitment to honor 
     and decency in all we do. And, our good reputation is best 
     assured by transparency and accountability in our every 
     transaction and relationship. Our academic freedom fosters 
     the necessary environment to promote lively discourse and 
     scientific inquiry. We cherish the freedom to express 
     informed viewpoints without fear, and we will never shrink 
     from our duties and responsibilities to our colleagues and 
     fellow citizens.
       We trust in active collaboration and continued professional 
     development. Our research, teaching and services are 
     strengthened and enhanced by our relationships at

[[Page E213]]

     the personal and institutional levels. We take pride in our 
     colleagues' work and we champion the growth and development 
     of all those whose commitment to the health professions is 
     intertwined with our enlightened vision and valorous mission.
       Our principles of excellence, service to all, diversity, 
     integrity, academic freedom, collaboration and lifelong 
     learning form the foundation from which the high vision and 
     important mission of Texas A&M's Health Science Center is to 
     rise to even greater national importance. We are unshakable 
     in our commitment to these principles because they define who 
     we are.
       And, let me speak for a moment about who we are. The Health 
     Science Center has an outstanding faculty, including sixteen 
     Regents' Professors and four Distinguished Professors. We 
     have faculty who have received national and international 
     awards and grants, faculty who represent the cutting edge in 
     their areas of study, and faculty who serve on national 
     boards and organizations, thereby influencing public policy 
     in significant ways. And, we have, if I may say so in all 
     modesty, the first woman President of The American Medical 
     Association.
       Our faculty does not have the advantages of organizations 
     and institutions with long histories and traditions, but 
     their genius, efforts and results demonstrate fully the 
     wealth of talent and brains we possess and of which we are so 
     very proud. In fact, I am humbled by the many gifts possessed 
     by our faculty.
       Our students are very special indeed. We graduate very 
     bright healthcare professionals who are not only devoted to 
     caring for their patients and communities, but who also see 
     themselves as guardians of the public good. They embrace 
     their destinies as leaders and gladly accept their important 
     roles as citizens of a larger community.
       We must never forget that professional, cultural and social 
     competence go hand in hand. We teach our young people the 
     values and behaviors that are consistent with their 
     expectations and responsibilities in their professions. We 
     seek and enroll students from all walks of life whose 
     inherent compassion and desire to serve ensure that they will 
     adopt the best, tryout the unusual, and leave our institution 
     with mature confidence in their extraordinary abilities to 
     meet the challenges and opportunities their professions 
     present now and tomorrow. And, as a result of our commitment 
     and our students' determination to be leaders, we are 
     confidently and proudly producing tomorrow's leaders in the 
     healthcare professions.
       Texas A&M Health Science Center has adopted and published 
     its vision, mission and principles, with the appropriate 
     goals, objectives and strategies attached thereto in honor of 
     this inaugural convocation. The Pathways to Excellence 2015 
     is our declaration of our belief in who we are and what we 
     are to become. We take pride in its publication, we honor 
     those who helped write it, and we are devoted to seeing it 
     carried out.
       In closing, let me state emphatically that I am merely one 
     of many here today. I am humbled and inspired by your 
     devotion, labor and dreams. Our future is joined, and we 
     march forward individually and collectively toward a future 
     that is based upon ethics and science with the care of others 
     foremost in our hearts and minds.
       In a world where business claims more and more of our 
     professions, we must never forget that love and compassion 
     must attend the care and service that we provide. Our 
     doctors, scientists and educators must not live in sterile 
     environments ignorant of the daily toils of those whom they 
     serve. We are devoted to the precept that all people, 
     regardless of geography, economic status or cultural 
     differences, deserve the benefits of compassionate care, 
     superior science and exceptional education.
       Our health care professionals must maintain and build upon 
     their intellectual curiosity. The future belongs to those who 
     are willing to be a part of the world, learn something new 
     everyday, challenge the status quo, break down unethical 
     barriers, demonstrate integrity at every juncture, and lead 
     by supreme example.
       Our faculty and students have a splendid destiny before 
     them because they have the gifts and the will to forge a 
     future in which they will make the world a better and more 
     humane place. This is the future of which I dream, this is 
     the future that is possible, and this is the future that you 
     will bring about. This is our commitment to and our hope for 
     the Texas A&M University's Health Science Center.

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