[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 71 (Wednesday, May 2, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E919]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 IN MEMORY OF MATTHEW GREGORY GWALTNEY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. J. RANDY FORBES

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 1, 2007

  Mr. FORBES. Madam Speaker, I rise today in memory of Matthew Gregory 
Gwaltney, who was tragically killed in the recent attack at Virginia 
Polytechnic Institute and State University, on April 16, 2007.
  Matthew was known for his deep love for his family and friends and 
for his cheerful disposition. Having graduated Magna Cum Laude with a 
Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from Virginia Tech in 2005, Matt 
was just weeks away from graduation day where he was receiving his 
Master's degree in civil and environmental engineering. Matt was an 
honors student devoted to learning and eager to improve human awareness 
of the environment and the overall quality of life. His high school 
teachers and college professors alike regularly praised his outstanding 
character and loyalty to those he loved.
  Matt's family and friends also knew him as an avid sports fan. As a 
high school basketball player, Matt was not only acknowledged by his 
teammates as a dedicated player, but as a close friend. Matt maintained 
those close relationships even as he went away to college and later 
began his graduate program. At Virginia Tech, Matt regularly built and 
maintained friendships around sports through games of pick up 
basketball, and impressed many with his abundant knowledge of sports 
facts. It is said that his favorite place at Virginia Tech was Cassell 
Coliseum and that Matt never missed a Hokie football game.
  Although Matt's time with us has ended all too soon, I know that his 
love for his family and friends and commitment to learning will inspire 
many in years to come. Matt has left a legacy within his generation 
that will not soon be forgotten.

                          ____________________