[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 76 (Wednesday, June 14, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1144]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO DR. MICHAEL ALLKINS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BART STUPAK

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 14, 2006

  Mr. STUPAK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a man who has 
dedicated his life to education. Dr. Michael Allkins will retire this 
month from Bay de Noc Community College, an institution that owes him a 
debt of gratitude for his tireless work to maintain, improve and 
strengthen not only the college, but the surrounding community.
  Dr. Allkins was appointed president of Bay de Noc Community College 
(Bay) on August 1st of 1997. During his tenure, President Allkins 
accomplished much, ensuring that Bay remains one of the finest 
community colleges in the Nation. On July 1st of 2006, his time at Bay 
will come to an end as he and his wife Linda begin a much deserved 
retirement.
  During his administration, Dr. Allkins presided over the completion 
of the Joseph Heirman University Center, remodeled the Student Center, 
and improved the chemistry and water technology labs on the campus.
  Bay was the first college in Michigan to be awarded a Michigan 
Technical Education Center. This innovative statewide program ensures 
that community colleges provide training that is relevant to the needs 
of local employers. It is through Dr. Allkins' leadership that Bay, in 
Escanaba, Michigan, was able to open the very first such technical 
training center in the entire state.
  That accomplishment alone demonstrates that Dr. Allkins is a forward 
thinking leader with a strategy for Bay's future. However, Dr. Allkins' 
accomplishments span well beyond the Technical Education Center. For 
over 10 years, the staff and faculty of Bay de Noc had been working to 
expand the college by opening a campus in neighboring Dickinson County. 
Under the leadership of Dr. Allkins, the college finally succeeded in 
passing a millage to fund the expansion and better serve Bay's growing 
student body 55 miles away from the main campus. Dr. Allkins was 
instrumental in passing the millage and breaking ground for the new 
facility.
  Dr. Allkins also led Bay through a lengthy, 10-year reaccreditation 
effort. This reaccreditation required improving the curriculum in 
general education, reviewing and assessing individual programs and 
making technological improvements a priority. Dr. Allkins also 
bolstered programs at the college that recognized the achievements of 
students, faculty and alumni and formalized Bay's graduation 
ceremonies.
  As any president of an educational institution must be, Dr. Allkins 
was also an effective ambassador for Bay. He was known for working with 
the Michigan Community College Association and with legislators to lay 
a stable financial foundation for Bay. Rural community colleges often 
have to assert themselves to receive their fair share of funding and 
Dr. Allkins was an effective advocate for Bay, working to see equitable 
funding for Michigan community colleges.
  Dr. Allkins was also involved in a variety of volunteer organizations 
in Escanaba and Delta counties. He served on the boards of the Delta 
County Area Chamber of Commerce, the Economic Development Alliance, the 
Upper Peninsula Great Lakes Educational Technologies, the YMCA and the 
Saint Francis Hospital Advisory Committee. He is an active member of 
the Escanaba Rotary Club.
  Even prior to coming to Bay de Noc Community College, Dr. Allkins had 
already enjoyed a career dedicated to education. As Executive Vice 
President of Instruction and Student Services, Vice President for 
Academic Affairs, and Interim President at South West Community College 
in Mount Gay, West Virginia, Dr. Allkins made a number of important 
contributions to preserving and growing that institution.
  Mr. Speaker, Dr. Michael Allkins has clearly made education and rural 
education, in particular, the focus of his career. Bay de Noc Community 
College and its surrounding communities are better for having enjoyed 
his stewardship. Because of his leadership skills and the importance of 
Bay de Noc Community College to the region, all of the Upper Peninsula 
benefited from having Dr. Michael Allkins and his wife, Linda Hirvonen, 
as professional citizens in our region of the country.
  I ask the U.S. House of Representatives to join me in congratulating 
Dr. Michael Allkins on his retirement and in thanking him and Linda for 
their commitment to education and our communities.

                          ____________________