[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 58 (Tuesday, May 3, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E789]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    A TRIBUTE TO DR. DERO G. DOWNING

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRETT GUTHRIE

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 3, 2011

  Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of a 
remarkable Kentuckian, Dr. Dero G. Downing. On April 4, Dr. Downing, 
Western Kentucky University's fourth president, passed on at the age of 
89, leaving behind a lasting impression that will live on for years to 
come.
  Dr. Downing served many roles throughout his lifetime but was best 
known for his time spent as WKU's president. Before serving as 
president, Dr. Downing became the university's registrar in 1959. Three 
years later, he was named dean of admissions. He then took the 
administrative affairs vice president position when it was created and 
held that position until becoming WKU's president in 1969.
  During his decade long tenure as president, Dr. Downing could be 
found socializing with students, staying involved with WKU sports, and 
consistently keeping the campus in praiseworthy shape. He resigned as 
president in 1979, but not without first leaving his legacy on the 
hill.
  Dr. Downing always conducted himself as a man of honor, loyalty and 
spirit. He exemplified to the fullest extent how indeed ``The Spirit 
Makes the Master.''
  I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Dr. Dero G. Downing for 
his many great contributions to the Commonwealth of Kentucky and as an 
architect in contributing to the successes of Western Kentucky 
University throughout his adult life.

                          ____________________