[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 70 (Thursday, May 7, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1090]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


          HONORING PROFESSOR ED DePETERS OF DAVIS, CALIFORNIA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 7, 2009

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
Professor Ed DePeters, the 2009 recipient of the University of 
California, Davis Prize for Undergraduate Teaching and Scholarly 
Achievement. This $40,000 prize, first awarded in 1987, is believed to 
be the largest undergraduate teaching award in the nation. The prize is 
awarded to scholars who are successful not only in their research, but 
convey their excitement and love of scholarship to their students.
  Professor DePeters, or ``Dr. D'' as students call him, is an animal 
scientist and expert in dairy cow nutrition, but his hallmark at UC 
Davis is imparting his knowledge and passion for these subjects to his 
students.
  Growing up on a farm in upstate New York, Professor DePeters 
developed an interest in animal agriculture that led him to Cornell 
University for a bachelor's degree in animal science. He went on to 
Penn State for a master's degree in dairy science, but instead of 
returning home as he had planned, he continued his studies and earned 
his doctoral degree in dairy science, which led him to a faculty 
position at UC Davis.
  Professor DePeters' research focuses on how the composition of milk, 
particularly the fatty-acid content, can be modified by changes in the 
cow's diet, and how agricultural byproducts such as almond hulls and 
cottonseed can be converted into nutritious feeds. His research has 
resulted in more than 120 scientific publications and is widely 
influential in the industry.
  Notwithstanding his research achievements, Professor DePeters' energy 
and personal concern have stood out in the minds of his students. Their 
reviews are peppered with comments like ``very enthusiastic'' . . . 
``really knows his material'' . . . ``very approachable'' . . . 
``incredible teacher'' . . . ``funny and gifted'' . . . ``the most 
motivated and dedicated teacher'' . . . ``a great guy and awesome 
professor'' . . . ``I love this class; it's top priority.'' He teaches 
a lower-division course in livestock production and upper-division 
courses in dairy cattle production and animal feeds and nutrition.
  Professor DePeters makes a point of learning students' names, and he 
takes pictures of each student and carries the pictures around with him 
until he has learned them all.
  Madam Speaker, it is appropriate at this time for us to acknowledge 
and thank Professor Ed DePeters for his years of exemplary work as a 
scholar and educator, and to congratulate him on receiving this well-
deserved award. His commitment to inspiring and educating students has 
been unwavering, and he deserves our congratulations.

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