[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 86 (Wednesday, June 9, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1054-E1055]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING SISTER ROSEMARIE NASSIF, SSND, PHD

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BARBARA LEE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 9, 2010

  Ms. LEE of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Sister 
Rosemarie Nassif, SSND, PhD, for her celebrated and successful 11-year 
tenure as Holy Names University President. On the occasion of her 
retirement, we recognize the quality and excellence of Sister 
Rosemarie's career and her talents as a dynamic and inspirational 
leader. During her time as president, Holy Names University has 
witnessed record-breaking enrollment, noted student diversity, expanded 
academic and sports programming, improved facilities, increased alumni 
participation and overall acclaim.
  Sister Rosemarie's religious calling came early in life, and at the 
age of 17, she entered the School Sisters of Notre Dame. During her 
early career back East, Sister Rosemarie gained a breadth of experience 
as Associate Professor of Notre Dame College, St. Louis College of 
Pharmacy and Co-Vicar for the Archdiocese of St. Louis, Missouri. In 
Baltimore, she became President of the College of Notre Dame of 
Maryland and later, President of the Fund for Educational Excellence 
before leaving that post to join Holy Names University on May 1, 1999.
  With a 140-year tradition of providing educational excellence in the 
Bay Area, Holy Names University, HNU, is a premier, private university 
founded by the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary and co-
educational since 1971. Upon Sister Rosemarie's arrival, the university 
entered a period of ``refoundation,'' where she, along with faculty and 
leadership, assessed the university's strengths and the critical needs 
of their students for the 21st century. She described this process as 
making the best match between tradition and innovation, while 
stretching to meet any challenges at hand. With foresight, dedication 
and solid

[[Page E1055]]

teamwork, Sister Rosemarie introduced a five-year strategic plan to the 
Board of Trustees, later accomplishing every goal she addressed.
  She led the institution in achieving the maximum 10-year 
accreditation by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, 
oversaw the highest and most diverse enrollment in the university's 
history and surpassed initial fundraising goals to raise $5.3 million 
in a successful $7 million campaign to transform the science 
facilities.
  She added four new athletic programs, completed a New Center for 
Social Justice and Civic Engagement, and made campus-wide technological 
advances, including student information and enrollment systems, a 
Technology Support Center for students and a state-of-the-art video 
conference studio for multi-state nursing programs. Additionally, HNU 
added five new baccalaureate majors, four new master's programs, 
returned to stable financial footing and completed The Campus Master 
Plan through 2012.
  Sister Rosemarie's accomplishments will leave an indelible mark on 
the HNU campus, but the legacy of her work represents so much more than 
tangible results. Her personal commitment to shaping a unique learning 
experience that explores and celebrates the beauty of differences has 
forever touched the lives of students, faculty, alumni, trustees and 
local community leaders.
  Her service has empowered countless women and men from 
underrepresented cultures and nations throughout the world to practice 
civic engagement, tolerance and critical thinking. And, as President 
Emerita Sr., she will continue to serve students through the Frieda 
Mary Nassif Scholarship award, named for her mother.
  On behalf of California's 9th Congressional District, I want to 
extend my congratulations on this important milestone. Thank you, 
Sister Rosemarie Nassif, for all that you do. I wish you continued 
success in this next chapter of life.

                          ____________________