[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 123 (Friday, August 12, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1518]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       IN HONOR OF FATHER O'HARA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. LOU BARLETTA

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, August 12, 2011

  Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to honor and acknowledge 
Father Thomas O'Hara for his 12 years of service as President of King's 
College, a liberal arts Catholic college located in Wilkes-Barre, 
Pennsylvania.
  Father O'Hara fostered a strong sense of community throughout King's 
College. As a native of my own hometown of Hazleton, PA, he is the 
first alumnus president of King's College. Ordained in 1978 by the 
Congregation of Holy Cross, Father O'Hara first taught political 
science at King's College from 1988 to 1994. He now leaves the 
Presidency to return to the classroom as a political science professor.
  Under Father O'Hara's administration, King's College has achieved 
national accolades for its academic programs and service to the 
community. King's was recently recognized among the Nation's best in a 
ranking that stresses service to the community and social mobility of 
the student body. He has seen the College through tremendous physical 
growth as well, with the Scandlon Gymnasium expansion and the addition 
of the Alumni Hall, Gateway Corners and Barnes and Noble downtown 
bookstore, Kings has greatly increased the opportunities available to 
its students.
  Mr. Speaker, I recognize today a true Northeastern Pennsylvania 
inspiration who has dedicated his life to the service of others. Father 
O'Hara has admirably accomplished King's mission of preparing students 
for meaningful and purpose driven lives. I commend his important 
service to his community and his country.

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