[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 52 (Wednesday, April 14, 2010)]
[Senate]
[Page S2292]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO DR. RICHARD J. PAPPAS

 Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, I am proud to recognize Dr. Richard 
J. Pappas, who assumed the presidency of Davenport University in August 
2009 and was formally installed in this role on March 31, 2010. This 
investiture ceremony was surely a significant milestone for Dr. Pappas 
and his family, and is the result of many years of dedication and hard 
work. Indeed, Dr. Pappas is poised to lead this fine institution to new 
heights as he builds on Davenport University's proud tradition.
  With 14 campuses located across Michigan and an enrollment of more 
than 12,000 students, Davenport University is an important part of the 
educational landscape of Michigan. With his ``Vision 2015,'' Dr. Pappas 
has embarked on an effort to reshape and sharpen the focus of the 
university. Vision 2015 emphasizes academic programming, market 
position, and financial strength, three aspects critical to the success 
of a college or university. This is a comprehensive plan, one that will 
position Davenport University for success for many years.
  Throughout his career, Dr. Pappas has proven to be a talented 
administrator and leader in the field of higher education. Before 
assuming the presidency of Davenport University, Dr. Pappas served as 
president of three other institutions: National-Louis University, Lake 
Michigan College, and Harford Community College. With Dr. Pappas at the 
helm, Davenport University will benefit from a leader that brings more 
than three decades of experience in higher education to this position, 
including 20 years as the head of an institution of higher education. 
This broad knowledge of the needs of students at both 4-year and 2-year 
institutions will be especially helpful.
  In addition to leading two institutions in Michigan, I am proud to 
say that Dr. Pappas is a native Michiganian. After growing up in 
Michigan, he earned his undergraduate degree from Eastern Michigan 
University and his master's and doctoral degrees from the University of 
Michigan. He is committed to civic and community endeavors, which is 
evidenced by his years of involvement in charitable organizations and 
civic boards. As a result of his many efforts, Dr. Pappas has received 
several prestigious awards over the years, including the University of 
Michigan's Norman C. Harris Alumni Award and the National Council for 
Marketing and Public Relations Pacesetter Award. And above all, Dr. 
Pappas is a family man and is buoyed by his wife, Pam, and his three 
children.
  Again, I am privileged to have an opportunity to honor Dr. Pappas as 
he embarks on a wonderful journey. There is no more noble cause than 
educating our next generation of leaders. His imprint on the lives of 
these young people will be tremendous, and I know he is well-suited and 
eager to undertake this challenge. I look forward to hearing about 
Davenport University's many successes in the years ahead.

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