[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 143 (Tuesday, October 6, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2451-E2452]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING HENRY BIENEN ON HIS RETIREMENT AS PRESIDENT OF NORTHWESTERN 
                               UNIVERSITY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DANIEL LIPINSKI

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 6, 2009

  Mr. LIPINSKI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Henry Bienen on 
his retirement as president of Northwestern University, one of the 
world's top universities and my alma mater. Mr. Bienen's retirement on 
August 31, 2009 leaves a legacy of nearly 15 years of academic 
excellence and relentless institutional improvement at Northwestern.
  Mr. Bienen's tenure as president yielded truly amazing results. Under 
his leadership, Northwestern enhanced its academic excellence, doubling 
its number of undergraduate applicants, raising the average SAT score 
for incoming freshmen by 150 points, and vastly increasing the number 
of National Merit Scholars. Larger investments in undergraduate 
research and expanded programs continue to present students with 
engaging and innovative learning experiences. Mr. Bienen surpassed all 
expectations when he led ``Campaign Northwestern,'' raising $1.55 
billion in a five-year period. Mr. Bienen also helped solidify 
Northwestern's financial stability by quintupling the endowment and 
raising research funding from outside sources by 140 percent.
  Of particular interest to me, Mr. Bienen recognized the need for an 
even greater commitment to scientific research. He put his efforts 
behind Northwestern's Institute for Nanotechnology and constructed new 
research facilities that have made Northwestern a world leader in 
nanotechnology. Mr. Bienen's commitment to nanotechnology and 
scientific research at large went far beyond the construction of new 
buildings, as he was personally invested in the recruitment and hiring 
of distinguished researchers and instructors. His accomplishments and 
commitment were recognized in 2005, when Mr. Bienen was one of the 
first three university presidents awarded the Carnegie Corporation 
Academic Leadership Award for innovative leadership in higher 
education.

[[Page E2452]]

  As a devoted fan of Northwestern athletics, Henry Bienen was proud of 
the accomplishments of the school's student-athletes. During his 
tenure, 17 athletic teams won Big Ten championships, including three in 
football and an unprecedented nine straight in women's tennis. In 
addition, Northwestern captured five straight NCAA national 
championships in women's lacrosse and Northwestern's football team went 
to five post-season bowl games.
  I rise today, Madam Speaker, to commend the dedication, service, and 
indelible legacy of Henry Bienen as he retires as president of 
Northwestern University. I am proud to have such an exemplary model of 
a devoted academic and leader as a friend. I wish Henry Bienen great 
success in his future endeavors.

                          ____________________