[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 61 (Wednesday, April 28, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E694]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


  IN RECOGNITION OF DR. BENJAMIN FRANKLIN PAYTON AT HIS RETIREMENT AS 
                    PRESIDENT OF TUSKEGEE UNIVERSITY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MIKE ROGERS

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 28, 2010

  Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Madam Speaker, I would like to request the 
House's attention today to pay recognition to the distinguished career 
of Dr. Benjamin Franklin Payton, who will be retiring this year from 
his position as the 5th president of Tuskegee University, a position he 
has held for the past 29 years.
  It goes without saying that Dr. Payton has led a highly successful 
career serving the students, faculty and community of Tuskegee 
University. As President, his many accomplishments at the University 
will certainly be remembered long after his departure. Among his many 
milestones include the launching of Tuskegee University's first Ph.D. 
programs in Materials Science and Engineering and Integrated 
Biosciences; his involvement in the reconstruction and renovation of 
the entire campus; and his success in leading and exceeding a $150 
million Capital Campaign. Dr. Payton's work at Tuskegee University, 
coupled with his previous accomplishments, has earned him many honors 
and awards including First Place winner of the Harvard Billings Prize, 
1957; South Carolinian of the Year, 1972; an appointment by President 
Ronald Reagan to the Board for International Food and Agricultural 
Development; and under President George W. Bush, he was appointed to 
lead the Task Force on Agricultural and Economic Development to Zaire.
  All of us across Macon County and East Alabama have been touched by 
the visionary leadership of Dr. Benjamin Franklin Payton. He will be 
missed in the community and at the University he has led for so long. 
On behalf of us all, I congratulate him for his distinguished service.

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