[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 81 (Wednesday, May 16, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1072]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E1072]]
     TRIBUTE TO DR. ROBERT (BOB) UBBELOHDE AND MRS. SUSAN UBBELOHDE

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                            HON. BART STUPAK

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 16, 2007

  Mr. STUPAK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor two of my 
constituents who together have dedicated nearly 40 years of service to 
one of the great educational institutions in Michigan's Upper Peninsula 
(U.P.): Finlandia University. This week, Finlandia University President 
Dr. Robert (Bob) Ubbelohde and Mrs. Susan Ubbelohde, the manager of 
``North Wind Bookstore'' at Finlandia University, will both retire.
  Dr. and Mrs. Ubbelohde first came to the U.P. in 1988 when Dr. 
Ubbelohde was named Dean of Faculty at Suomi College (later to become 
Finlandia University) in Hancock, Michigan. In 1991, Dr. Ubbelohde was 
named the 15th president of Suomi College.
  When they came to the U.P., the Ubbelohdes did not expect to remain 
at Finlandia University for 20 years. In fact, as a self-described 
``city person,'' Dr. Ubbelohde has been known to say that he expected 
to stay in the U.P. only three to five years. However, the Ubbelohdes 
fell in love with Hancock, Michigan, with the local area, which is 
commonly referred to as the Copper Country, and with Finlandia 
University itself.
  Dr. Ubbelohde's contributions to Finlandia University cannot be 
overstated. In fact, as much if not more than any other single person, 
he can be credited with saving and revitalizing the school. When Dr. 
Ubbelohde came to what was then Suomi College, he inherited an 
institution that, while enjoying a rich history, faced an uncertain 
future. Enrollment was declining by 8 percent a year. By Dr. 
Ubbelohde's own admission, the administration of the school at the time 
even contemplated whether to close the school altogether. Thankfully, 
under Dr. Ubbelohde's guidance, the decision was made to keep the 
school open and to move the institution forward.
  Under Dr. Ubbelohde's leadership, new programs were adopted at Suomi 
College and the school was largely re-vamped. In 1996, after being in 
existence for 100 years, the school was transformed from a two-year 
college offering, to a baccalaureate degree-granting university and was 
re-named Finlandia University. In 1998, athletics were re-introduced to 
the school, further strengthening the school's reputation. Over the 
past 10 years, thanks to Dr. Ubbelohde's vision, the school has enjoyed 
a 65 percent increase in student enrollment, major upgrades to campus 
technology and capital improvements.
  Although Finlandia University has thrived under Dr. Ubbelohde's 
leadership, this humble man is perhaps best known for his passion for 
seeing students grow, learn and succeed. When asked what his greatest 
accomplishment is, he tellingly replies, ``I don't even think that way. 
What I think about are students crossing the stage at Commencement to 
receive their diplomas. I can't claim to know the life story of each 
student, but I've learned enough about our students to know when a 
graduate has overcome or accomplished something extraordinary to earn 
that degree.''
  Just as Dr. Ubbelohde has done great things as the President of 
Finlandia University, Mrs. Ubbelohde has also contributed significantly 
to the university and to the surrounding community. While Dr. Ubbelohde 
served as the University President, Mrs. Ubbelohde has earned a well 
deserved reputation as the ``ideal first lady'' for the university. 
Well regarded for her warmth, kindness, grace and hospitality, 
Mrs. Ubbelohde has made friends throughout the community and acted as 
an ambassador for the school.

  Mrs. Ubbelohde managed North Wind Books, the university bookstore 
that was founded under Dr. Ubbelohde's administration. North Wind Books 
not only supplies Finlandia University students their books, but is in 
many ways a cultural center for Finlandia University, offering Finnish 
rugs, tablecloths, Finnish books and other items that celebrate the 
Finnish traditions that the university honors. Under Mrs. Ubbelohde's 
management, North Wind Books has grown. Today, the thriving store 
continues to serve as a resource for students, teachers, Finlandia 
University alumni and visitors. Just as Dr. Ubbelohde has left his mark 
on Finlandia University in many ways, Mrs. Ubbelohde leaves a legacy in 
North Wind Books, which will be enjoyed by many future generations of 
Finlandia University Lions.
  Madam Speaker, Finlandia University is in many ways a special place. 
It is a place that cultivates character among young people, provides 
them a first-rate education, while embracing traditional Finnish values 
and teaching in the tradition of the Lutheran faith. Because of Dr. 
Robert Ubbelohde's and Mrs. Susan Ubbelohde's leadership, Finlandia 
University will continue to grow and prosper for years to come. While 
they will be missed at Finlandia University by the students and staff, 
this retirement is well deserved. Madam Speaker, I would ask that you 
and the entire U.S. House of Representatives join me in congratulating 
Dr. Robert and Mrs. Susan Ubbelohde on their well deserved retirement 
and in thanking them for their decades of service to higher education.
    




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