[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 37 (Wednesday, March 29, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E443-E444]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING DR. I. KING JORDAN FOR HIS CONTRIBUTIONS TO GALLAUDET 
         UNIVERSITY AND THE DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING COMMUNITY

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. STENY H. HOYER

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 28, 2006

  Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to express my strong support for 
H. Res. 680 and to pay tribute to the long and distinguished career of 
Dr. I. King Jordan, the first deaf President of Gallaudet University. 
Dr. Jordan's compelling life story, keen intellect, and unbridled 
passion have combined to make him an extraordinary educational leader, 
one of our nation's foremost advocates for people with disabilities, 
and an international leader and role model for the deaf and hard of 
hearing.
  Over the 18 years that he has served as University President, as well 
as his years as

[[Page E444]]

Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and Chair of the Psychology 
Department, Gallaudet University has thrived under Dr. Jordan's 
leadership. Gallaudet is the world's only university in which all 
programs and services are specifically designed for deaf and hard of 
hearing students. As President, Dr. Jordan dramatically expanded the 
University's endowment, improved and expanded academic programs, added 
new facilities, and recruited world-class faculty and administrators.
  I got to know Dr. Jordan during the passage of the Americans with 
Disabilities Act, which was signed into law in 1990. Dr. Jordan was a 
lead witness during a joint session of Congress and delivered key 
testimony, which was instrumental to the passage of this landmark civil 
rights legislation.
  Dr. Jordan has never relented in his commitment to improving the 
lives of people with disabilities. Last year, I was privileged to join 
Dr. Jordan in receiving the George Bush Medal for the Empowerment of 
People with Disabilities. That distinguished award is just one of the 
many that Dr. Jordan has received for his work. His numerous 
accomplishments and awards include no fewer than eleven honorary 
degrees, the Washingtonian of the Year, the James L. Fisher Award from 
the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), the Larry 
Stewart Award from the American Psychological Association, the 
Distinguished Leadership Award from the National Association for 
Community Leadership, and the U.S. Presidential Citizens Medal.
  In 1990, President George Bush appointed Dr. Jordan Vice-Chair of the 
President's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities 
(PCEPD), and in 1993 he was later reappointed as Vice-Chair by 
President Clinton of this influential body that made national 
recommendations on issues of employment.
  Dr. Jordan recently announced that he will retire as Gallaudet's 
first deaf President on December 31, 2006. While the University will be 
losing a remarkable leader, I know that Dr. Jordan will continue to be 
a driving force in our community.
  Mr. Speaker, I wish to express my deep gratitude to Dr. Jordan on 
behalf of the millions of individuals he has helped and inspired 
throughout his career. His tireless efforts have improved not only 
Gallaudet University, but also our nation and our world. I wish Dr. 
Jordan the best of luck in his retirement. His leadership and legacy 
will never be forgotten.

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