[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 30 (Friday, February 13, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E289-E290]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




IN REMEMBRANCE OF TOM CLIFFORD, PRESIDENT EMERITUS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF 
                              NORTH DAKOTA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. EARL POMEROY

                            of north dakota

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 13, 2009

  Mr. POMEROY. Madam Speaker, Tom Clifford was the most influential 
leader of the University of North Dakota in its entire history. I feel 
fortunate that he was president during my years there. I had the 
opportunity to work with him as a student senator, state legislator and 
member of the U.S. Congress. He was one of the finest people I've ever 
known.
  Tom Clifford was a giant in every aspect of his life, from his 
service as a decorated Marine Corps veteran during World War II to his 
lasting legacy at the University of North Dakota.
  During his 21-year tenure at the helm of UND, President Clifford 
oversaw a period of tremendous growth, in everything from enrollment--
from 8,400 to more than 12,000 students--to research grants and 
contracts--from $6.4 million to $40 million--to evolving the university 
through the amazing growth of the aerospace program and the Center for 
Innovation.
  Tom Clifford's influence extended far beyond education. When it came 
to diversifying the region's economy and creating new high paying jobs 
and rewarding careers, Tom Clifford was viewed by all parties as North 
Dakota's ``wise man.'' His counsel was often sought and freely given. 
His creative contribution will live on in our region through the new 
opportunities he helped grow.
  Tom Clifford never stopped being an excellent athlete and the number 
one fan of the Fighting Sioux. When I was a student he was the best 
handball player at the university--turning back challengers decades 
younger than he was.
  One particularly fond memory I cherish came from a trip I took with 
Tom to the NCAA Division H national championship in Alabama in 2001. 
The Fighting Sioux slugged it out for 4 quarters but trailed by 4 
points with time almost done. The Sioux connected on a short pass, but 
suddenly the runner broke free and scampered nearly 80 yards for the 
winning touchdown. Although Tom was seated in the president's box along 
side the president and a few boisterous alumni from the other team, Tom 
didn't shout or say much, but his deep

[[Page E290]]

grin and twinkling eyes revealed the thorough happiness and pride he 
felt.
  With Tom Clifford it was never about the talking. It was all about 
getting the job done successfully. He lived long. He lived well, and 
his own success created in turn generations of success in the lives of 
his students and the ongoing economic activity he helped create in our 
region.
  President Tom Clifford was one of the greatest North Dakotans we have 
ever known. I am proud to have been his friend, and I will never forget 
his sterling example of integrity and strong leadership.

                          ____________________