[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 78 (Thursday, June 2, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1027]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     DENNIS RITTENMEYER RETIREMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 2, 2011

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure and admiration 
that I stand before you today to honor Dr. Dennis C. Rittenmeyer and to 
wish him well upon his upcoming retirement from his position as 
President of Calumet College of Saint Joseph in Whiting, Indiana. Dr. 
Rittenmeyer's many years of service in the field of education have had 
a positive impact on numerous students and educators within the 
community of Northwest Indiana and across the nation. In honor of 
Dennis, a retirement reception will be held on Tuesday, June 7, 2011, 
at The Center for Visual and Performing Arts in Munster, Indiana.
  Dr. Dennis Rittenmeyer's true passion for education is reflected in 
his impressive 40 year career in higher education. Dr. Rittenmeyer 
received his bachelor's and master's degrees from Western Michigan 
University. He went on to earn his doctoral degree in Higher Education 
Administration from Michigan State University in East Lansing, 
Michigan. In 1987, Dr. Rittenmeyer became President of Calumet College 
of Saint Joseph. At the time, the institution was in serious financial 
crisis. Dennis successfully restored the college's financial stability, 
utilizing the leadership skills for which he is well-known. Throughout 
his tenure, his perseverance to see the right thing done sustained his 
efforts to overcome obstacles in order to establish Calumet College of 
Saint Joseph as the exceptional resource it is today. Under Dr. 
Rittenmeyer's direction, the enrollment at Calumet College of Saint 
Joseph increased from 870 in 1987 to nearly 1,300 in 2010; educational 
programs were expanded to include not only associate's degree programs 
but also bachelor's and master's degree programs. Additionally, an 
athletic program was introduced; currently, more than 270 participate 
in intercollegiate sports. The physical development of the campus 
included extensive renovations to the main building and a new Student 
Activity/Community Center was completed in 2009. My good friend also 
established an endowment fund for the continuously growing institution. 
For his truly impressive commitment to Calumet College of Saint Joseph, 
Dr. Rittenmeyer is to be commended.
  Perhaps more remarkable is Dr. Rittenmeyer selflessly giving of his 
time, intellectual skills, and power of persuasion to move the 
community of Northwest Indiana ahead. In 2009, he was honored by 
Governor Mitch Daniels with the Distinguished Hoosier Award for his 
efforts on behalf of public transportation in Northwest Indiana. Much 
needs to be done before we have a true regional transit system in our 
region, but it will occur because of Dennis Rittenmeyer's lone sojourn 
in the wilderness preaching the human value of developing such a system 
long before it became a fashionable topic of debate. There would be no 
debate and no hope of much an improvement for future generations if 
Dennis had not stepped forth before all others.
  Dr. Rittenmeyer's commitment to education and the community of 
Northwest Indiana is exceeded only by his devotion to his amazing 
family. He and his wonderful wife Leslie have five beloved children.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues 
join me in commending Dr. Dennis C. Rittenmeyer for his lifetime of 
leadership, service, and dedication. He has touched the lives of 
countless students and educators, as well as every one of us in 
Northwest Indiana. For his service and uncompromising dedication, Dr. 
Rittenmeyer is worthy of the highest praise, and I ask that you join me 
in wishing him well upon his retirement.

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