[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 60 (Thursday, May 5, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E811]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING CHANCELLOR HOWARD COHEN AND PATRICIA COHEN

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 5, 2011

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I stand 
before you today to honor Purdue University Calumet (PUC) Chancellor, 
Dr. Howard Cohen and his wife, Patricia Cohen. On Saturday, May 7, 
2011, Chancellor and Patti Cohen will be honored at an event for their 
many years of service in the field of education at Purdue University 
Calumet. Chancellor Cohen, with the support of Patti, has had a 
tremendous impact on numerous students and educators throughout 
Northwest Indiana and across the nation and their efforts are to be 
highly commended.
  From 2001 to 2010, Patricia Cohen's commitment and partnership in 
support of her husband has been instrumental in the growth and 
development of Purdue University Calumet. Patti graduated summa cum 
laude with a bachelor's degree in nursing from the University of 
Wisconsin and also earned a master's degree in occupational therapy 
from Boston University. With her background in the medical field, Patti 
continues to share her knowledge with PUC and is a member of the PUC 
Honorary Nursing Organization: Sigma Theta Tau, Bet Mu Chapter. She is 
also a past member of the PUC Health and Wellness Committee. In 
addition, Patti has represented PUC on trips to universities in China, 
Poland, Spain, Oman, and Costa Rica. She has also established, planned, 
and hosted numerous campus and community events.
  Howard Cohen is among less than a handful of academicians who I have 
dealt with over the last generation who I would describe as the 
``best.'' Howard has used his inestimable intellect to impart wisdom to 
others. His leadership has introduced permanent positive changes 
throughout Northwest Indiana and our state. His vision has provided all 
of us with a guide to an improved and gentler future.
  Additionally, Chancellor Cohen's professional and academic career led 
him to become a prominent, innovative leader in the field of education. 
In 1966, he graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor's degree in 
philosophy from the University of Minnesota and went on to earn a 
master's degree and a doctoral degree from Harvard University. Since 
2001, Dr. Howard Cohen has been Chancellor at PUC and also holds an 
appointment as Professor of Philosophy. Over the past ten years, 
Chancellor Cohen has dedicated his time and passion into making PUC the 
high quality, full-service university that it is today. PUC has 
expanded tremendously under the leadership of Chancellor Cohen. During 
his tenure, Chancellor Cohen has established student housing, 
constructed the Academic Learning Center and established nine centers 
and institutes of applied research. Labeled his signature project, 
Chancellor Cohen was influential in the implementation of the 
innovative experiential learning initiative, a program that blends 
traditional learning with hands-on, applied learning, which is now a 
curriculum requirement for all students seeking a bachelor's degree.
  In addition to their truly impressive devotion to education and to 
Purdue University Calumet, Howard and Patti passionately serve the 
people of Northwest Indiana though their involvement in numerous 
community organizations. They have been married since 1968 and have two 
beloved children and two grandchildren.
  Mr. Speaker, at this time, I ask that you and my other distinguished 
colleagues join me in commending Chancellor Howard Cohen and Patricia 
Cohen. Their inspiration continues to fuel the future of education and 
their life work has provided exceptional new opportunities in Northwest 
Indiana and across the nation. For their selfless, lifelong commitment 
they are worthy of the highest praise.

                          ____________________