[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 82 (Monday, May 19, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E965]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF DON KASSING, PRESIDENT OF SAN JOSE 
                               UNIVERSITY

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                            HON. ZOE LOFGREN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 19, 2008

  Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today along with 
Congressman Michael Honda to recognize the accomplishments of Don 
Kassing, President of San Jose State University. Mr. Kassing has served 
as the President of the University since 2004 and is retiring this 
year.
  Don Kassing worked nearly three decades in higher education in 
Illinois, Kentucky, Colorado and California before coming to San Jose 
State University in 1993. Prior to his appointment as President, Mr. 
Kassing served San Jose State University as Vice President for the 
Division of Administration and Finance for eleven years and was 
responsible for six major administrative units on campus. As Chief 
Financial Officer, he held overall responsibility for all business and 
financial affairs of the campus.
  Under Mr. Kassing's leadership, the University's department structure 
was revamped to improve enrollment services. For the most recent 
admissions cycle, the process for financial aid packaging was 
revitalized to provide information to students about their financial 
aid packages earlier, thus enabling them to make enrollment decisions 
earlier. In part because of these and related changes, the university 
had record enrollment for Fall 2007 of nearly 32,000 students. These 
efforts are linked to a reenergized focus on student success in class 
and involvement in campus life outside of class.
  Typically, the University realized about $11 million annually in 
private gifts; however, new fundraising efforts under Mr. Kassing's 
leadership resulted in the doubling of gifts to the University in 2005-
06, and a rise to $50 million in 2006-07, which is the single highest 
year of fundraising in San Jose State University's history.
  Don Kassing has encouraged San Jose State University to engage in 
externally funded research and education-related activities that have 
significantly enhanced the University's academic quality while engaging 
faculty and students in the creation and application of new knowledge. 
As a result SJSU faculty successfully partner with government agencies, 
corporations, and private foundations to perform cutting-edge research, 
public service, and other specialized projects vital to this community 
of scholars. During Don Kassing's tenure as president, approximately 
$212 million has been awarded to support the University's expanding 
research enterprise, placing San Jose State among the top 200 
universities in the country for total R&D expenditures.
  Don Kassing will be missed for his work at San Jose State University, 
for his leadership in the community and for his commitment to 
excellence. I join the community of students, faculty and staff of San 
Jose State University in honoring Don Kassing for his contributions and 
in wishing Don and his wife, Amy, their three children and eight 
grandchildren, the best as he enters retirement.




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