[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 51 (Friday, March 23, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E623]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING STEPHEN TRACHTENBERG AS HE STEPS DOWN AS PRESIDENT OF GEORGE 
                         WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. CLIFF STEARNS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 22, 2007

  Mr. STEARNS. Madam Speaker, when I graduated from George Washington, 
I like to sometimes think only a few years ago, I did not realize that 
I would be so involved with the school later in my life. President 
Trachtenberg has made these efforts a joy and an honor, and we will 
miss his leadership.
  His tenure as president transformed the university, marking major 
advancements across the board. Since taking the helm in 1988, the 
academics of GW have skyrocketed. The SAT scores of incoming students 
rose by 200 points and a significant percentage of students are now 
drawn from the top 10 percent of high school classes.
  While enriching the academic environment at George Washington, 
President Trachten-
berg also enhanced the financial situation. The school enjoyed a 
balanced budget under each year of your tenure, generating an endowment 
of nearly $1 billion, up almost $800 million since you started in 1988.
  As Steve has often noted, GW has eight schools, over 100 programs, 
and nearly 20,000 students. And he adds, ``GW is more than a 
university, it is also a community.'' Through his outstanding efforts, 
the university encompasses academics, research, entertainment, and an 
enjoyable experience for students, faculty and staff.
  In total, 30 years of his amazing career went into leading a major 
university. He deserves more time at home, applying his energy and 
talents to his personal life. I understand his wife Francine is 
retired, but still very active in promoting the community's interest, 
and I bet she could use his help.
  It has been an honor to work with President Trachtenberg on behalf of 
George Washington University--his tireless efforts have yielded 
immeasurable results--the school, Washington, D.C., our nation, and the 
world are better because of them.

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