[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 143 (Wednesday, September 10, 2008)]
[Senate]
[Page S8273]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING DR. AL LORENZO

 Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, the importance of providing access 
to a quality education is one of our most important goals as a nation, 
as our children and grandchildren compete in an ever increasingly 
complex workplace. Those who dedicate their lives to this mission have 
chosen one of the most rewarding and satisfying life paths. For 29 
years, Dr. Albert Lorenzo served as president of Macomb Community 
College, skillfully charting a course that has greatly benefitted not 
only those who have been directly affiliated with the college, but also 
the surrounding community. His commitment to educating students has 
transformed countless lives.
  July 1, 2008, marked the end of an era for one of Michigan's premier 
educational institutions, Macomb Community College, and the end of a 
richly rewarding journey for Dr. Lorenzo. I, along with my Michigan 
colleague, Senator Stabenow, would like to sincerely thank him for a 
job well done and for making such a significant contribution to the 
lives of the people of Macomb County and the State of Michigan.
  Dr. Lorenzo was installed as the fourth president of Macomb Community 
College in July 1979 and navigated the college through significant 
transition and growth. Upon his retirement, he was the longest-serving 
community college president in Michigan. Under his leadership, Macomb 
Community College began offering classes leading to various bachelor 
degrees in 1991, filling an important void in the community. Dr. 
Lorenzo is also credited with creating the first ever university center 
model, which is now used in community colleges throughout the country. 
Macomb's University Center facilitates partnerships with eight 
universities and institutions, working to bring higher educational 
opportunities to this underserved community in Michigan. The college is 
flourishing, with an enrollment of approximately 27,000 students and 
with three out of every four Macomb County college students beginning 
their college careers at MCC.
  In addition to his commitment and success at MCC, Dr. Lorenzo has 
been a leading member of the Macomb community. Over the years, he has 
been active on several corporate boards and policy commissions, has 
worked with several national advisory groups and has been appointed by 
both Governor Engler and Governor Granholm to economic advisory boards.
  Al Lorenzo has also been recognized nationally for his many 
publications and has been awarded 12 major leadership awards, as well 
as 2 honorary doctoral degrees. He has received numerous other 
commendations, including the Tom Peters Leadership Award, and the March 
of Dimes Citizen of the Year Award. Additionally, he was named 
President of the Year by three national associations.
  Al will be devoting the next chapter of his life to solving the 
economic and educational challenges that face Macomb County and 
Michigan by working with Oakland University as they expand their 
services in Macomb County. We know our colleagues in the Senate join us 
in recognizing Dr. Al Lorenzo, his wife Katherine, and their family on 
his retirement. He has left an enduring mark on the educational 
landscape in Michigan, and we wish him many more years of service and 
success as he begins this new endeavor.

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