[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 58 (Thursday, April 22, 2010)]
[Senate]
[Page S2584]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      REMEMBERING VERNON C. POLITE

 Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, I wish to honor the life of Vernon 
C. Polite, dean of the Eastern Michigan University College of 
Education, who passed away on March 8, 2010. Dean Polite led a life of 
integrity, passion, and dedication. His exemplary work and his personal 
warmth surely will be missed by all whose lives he touched. A memorial 
service will be held on the campus of Eastern Michigan University today 
to celebrate the life of this wonderful man.
  Dean Polite's efforts to enrich the educational experiences of 
students in Michigan and across the country are truly inspiring. His 
guidance has left an indelible mark on the institutions in which he has 
played a part. From his work as principal at Oak Park Public Schools 
and professor at Catholic University of America, to his roles as 
founding dean of Bowie State University's School of Education and dean 
of the Eastern Michigan University College of Education, Dean Polite 
has set an example of conscientious and courageous leadership.
  Dean Polite was embraced by colleagues, students, family, and friends 
as much for his impressive accomplishments as for his generous heart 
and personal kindness. He has been called ``an ambassador for education 
and for social justice across the nation.'' His dedication to social 
justice is not only evident in the research he conducted on 
organizational change and minority educational issues and in his active 
pursuit of diversity at Eastern Michigan and other institutions but 
also in the graceful and respectful manner in which he interacted with 
those around him each day. Dean Polite leaves a void at Eastern 
Michigan University and in the countless lives he helped to shape. His 
memory will be a vivid and lasting inspiration to many.
  Vernon C. Polite dedicated his life to education and accomplished 
much in his long and illustrious career. His legacy is that of a life 
well-spent and is embodied in the accomplishments and aspirations of 
the students he inspired. I know my colleagues join me in extending 
condolences to Vernon's sister, Carol Brooks, and his brother, Willie 
Brooks, as well as to the entire Eastern Michigan University community, 
as we honor the life of this remarkable man.

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