[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 90 (Wednesday, June 6, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1225]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO DR. LAWRENCE T. GERATY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEN CALVERT

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 6, 2007

  Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to 
an individual whose dedication and contributions to the community of 
Riverside, California are exceptional. Riverside has been fortunate to 
have dynamic and dedicated community leaders who willingly and 
unselfishly give their time and talent and make their communities a 
better place to live and work. Dr. Geraty is one of these individuals. 
On June 7, 2007, he will be honored as the Greater Riverside Chambers 
of Commerce's Citizen of the Year at a celebration dinner.
  Dr. Larry Geraty has led an impressive and interesting life. As a 
child he traveled with his missionary family who lived and worked in 
China, Burma, Hong Kong, Lebanon, England, Germany, France, Israel, 
California, Maryland, Michigan and Massachusetts. After his young 
travels, he obtained his bachelors degree from Pacific Union College 
and went on to the Theological Seminary at Andrews University. Larry 
served as a pastor before being invited to join the Andrews Theological 
Seminary faculty. He studied Hebrew Bible and biblical archaeology at 
Harvard where he earned his Doctor of Philosophy degree. Dr. Geraty 
then returned to Andrews Theological Seminary as Professor of 
Archaeology and History of Antiquity where he taught for 13 years. He 
also led a series of major archaeological expeditions to the Middle 
East.
  In his distinguished academic career, Dr. Geraty has received many 
honors including a Fulbright Fellowship and serving as advisor on 
archaeology to former Crown Prince Hassan of Jordan. Dr. Geraty has 
served as a leader on several societies such as the Vice President of 
the American Center of Oriental Research in Amman, Jordan. He has 
lectured all over the world and is a contributing author to several 
publications.
  In 1985, Dr. Geraty became President of the Atlantic Union College in 
South Lancaster, Massachusetts, where he earned the reputation as a 
progressive academic administrator. For over 14 years, Dr. Geraty has 
served as President and Professor of Archeology at La Sierra University 
in Riverside, California. During his time in Riverside, Dr. Geraty has 
become a staple of the community through his leadership and generosity. 
He served on several boards including the Greater Riverside Chambers of 
Commerce, United Way of the Inland Valleys, Mayors Higher Education/
Business Council, Raincross Club, Monday Morning Group, World Affairs 
Council of Inland Southern California, Riverside Arts Council and the 
Riverside Youth Action Executive Policy Board.
  In 2000, Dr. Geraty received the P.E. MacAllister Award for 
Excellence in Field Archeology from the American Schools of Oriental 
research, and in 2001, he received the Charles Elliott Weniger Award 
for Excellence at Pacific Union College.
  In light of all Dr. Geraty has done for the community of Riverside, 
including serving as the 2006-2007 Chairman of the Board, the Riverside 
Chambers of Commerce has named Dr. Geraty their Citizen of the Year. 
Dr. Geraty's tireless passion for community service, education and 
faith has contributed immensely to the betterment of the community of 
Riverside, California. He has been the heart and soul of many community 
organizations and events and I am proud to call him a fellow community 
member, American and friend. I know that many community members are 
grateful for his service and salute him as he receives this prestigious 
award.

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