[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 139 (Wednesday, September 19, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1933]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   UPON THE RETIREMENT OF LARRY WEISS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MARCY KAPTUR

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 19, 2007

  Ms. KAPTUR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the distinguished 
career of Larry Weiss upon his retirement following nearly forty years 
of service to build and advance Bowling Green State University.
  Most recently, Larry has served as Bowling Green's Vice President for 
University Relations and Governmental Affairs. He has worked closely 
with the university's presidents, including its current President, Dr. 
Sidney Ribeau, always demonstrating honesty, skill, and integrity. 
During his career, Larry met notables such as Bob Hope, Red Skelton, 
and Doc Severinsen, but never failed to treat all people with 
equanimity--affording respect to students, university staff, families, 
and visitors alike.
  A native of Canton, Ohio, Larry graduated from Bowling Green State 
University in 1967 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Journalism and 
a specialization in public relations. Following graduation, he began 
his business career in the Press Relations Department of Libbey-Owens-
Ford Glass Company in Toledo.
  In 1973, Larry returned to his alma mater as Assistant Director of 
Alumni Affairs where he undertook a $2.2 million campaign to build an 
alumni center on campus. Five years later, he was promoted to Director 
of Alumni Affairs. In 1998, Larry incorporated state government 
relations into his job responsibilities while still serving as alumni 
director. In August, 2000, he moved to the President's Office where he 
continued to serve the President and the community.
  During his tenure in the Alumni Office, Larry served as chair of the 
University's 7th Anniversary celebration. He was one of three alumni 
administrators in the United States selected by the Asian Institute of 
Management for travel to Manila, Philippines to train Filipino 
educators. He also served as host of a weekly television show called 
``Time Out'' on the local PBS affiliate.
  In addition to his responsibilities at BGSU, Larry served on the 
boards of trustees for the Bowling Green Chamber of Commerce, the 
Bowling Green Community Development Foundation and the United Way of 
Greater Toledo. He is also a University representative on the Toledo 
Symphony Board.
  One of Larry's avocations is baseball. As an 18-year-old standout, he 
had a scheduled tryout for the Baltimore Orioles organization. It 
appeared as though Larry was destined to be a professional baseball 
player. However, the week before his tryout, he broke his wrist and was 
unable to tryout. With a broken wrist, his life path changed and he 
decided to go to college at Bowling Green State University. At BGSU he 
fell in love and married Frances Greiger and also fell in love with 
BGSU. Not only has the marriage thrived in 42 years, but Larry's love 
for baseball still continues. Since 1995 Larry has played in an adult 
baseball league and annually plays in the Legends of Baseball League in 
Cooperstown, New York. This past August, Larry was inducted into the 
Legends of Baseball Hall of Fame.
  His family jokes that while on family vacations in other states 
people would recognize Larry--``Larry Weiss, Bowling Green State 
University'' and his relationship with Bowling Green State University 
will continue. He will lead the University's 100th anniversary 
celebration.
  Upon Larry Weiss' official retirement from Bowling Green State 
University, I wish him time to spend with family and friends doing that 
which he most enjoys as he travels this new road of life. We know that 
his lifetime of dedication to building Bowling Green State University 
into one of the largest recognized universities in the state will not 
end with retirement. Let us express to Larry and his family our 
sincerest gratitude and Godspeed in the years ahead.

                          ____________________