[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 91 (Thursday, July 13, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1407]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO RICHARD S. ELSTER

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. IKE SKELTON

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 13, 2006

  Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, it has come to my attention that a 
distinguished career at the Naval Postgraduate School will soon come to 
an end. Mr. Richard Elster has announced his official retirement after 
37 years of service.
  After receiving his bachelor's degree from the University of 
Minnesota in 1962, Richard pursued his M.S. in Industrial Relations, 
and his PhD in Industrial Psychology. By 1967, Richard had finished 
with school and become a project scientist at Litton Industries.
  Dr. Elster became associated with the Naval Postgraduate School in 
1969 when he joined the faculty as an assistant professor. During his 
tenure, he served as an associate professor, professor, Chairman of the 
Department of Administrative Sciences, Dean of Instruction, and the 
Provost and Academic Dean.
  Throughout his career at Naval Postgraduate School, Dr. Elster served 
in several high ranking Pentagon positions. Starting in 1975, he served 
as special advisor to the Secretary of Defense for manpower and reserve 
affairs. Dr. Elster also held positions as the Deputy Assistant 
Secretary of the Navy for Manpower, Acting Assistant Secretary of the 
Navy for Manpower and Reserve Affairs, and Deputy Assistant Secretary 
of Defense for Resource Management and Support.
  Dr. Elster was recognized for meritorious civilian service as Provost 
and Academic Dean at the Naval Postgraduate School, from July 1995 to 
December 2005. Because of his leadership, the Naval Postgraduate School 
attained unprecedented stature in the defense establishment and the 
academic community. It was recognized in 2005 with the highest score 
for military value of all Department of Defense education commands by 
the Education and Training Joint Cross Service Group.
  The Naval Postgraduate School is respected as a world class research 
university due in part to Dr. Elster's leadership, strategic vision, 
and devotion to public service. Much of the academic work of the 
school's students and faculty responds directly to real world defense 
mission needs.
  As Dr. Richard S. Elster prepares for retirement, I know the Members 
of the House will join me in expressing appreciation for his dedication 
to the Naval Postgraduate School and will wish him well in all the days 
ahead.

                          ____________________