[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 141 (Wednesday, September 21, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1680]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          DR. ROBERT E. DUNKER

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. STEVE KING

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 21, 2011

  Mr. KING of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this time to 
recognize a constituent of mine, Dr. Robert E. Dunker.
  Dr. Dunker recently retired from Western Iowa Tech Community College 
after a distinguished 20-year career. During his time at Western Iowa 
Tech, Dr. Dunker initiated and oversaw infrastructure improvements 
which have contributed to new program development and enrollment growth 
at the College. The infrastructure improvements have allowed Western 
Iowa Tech to create several new programs of study and to procure state-
of-the-art equipment to best prepare students for what they will 
encounter in the workplace.
  I can confidently say that I have known few people over the years who 
possess Dr. Dunker's vision and determination to effect positive 
change, not just for the students at Western Iowa Tech, but for the 
community at large. Dr. Dunker recognized early on that to meet the 
educational needs of the area, Western Iowa Tech needed to transition 
from a vocational/technical school to a full service, comprehensive 
community college, with arts and general science classes complementing 
the school's existing foundation of technical and career education. Dr. 
Dunker also saw the need to develop partnerships with area K-12 
schools, postsecondary institutions, and the broader education 
community in order to leverage the educational resources of Western 
Iowa for the betterment of all Iowans.
  I know that Dr. Dunker will be missed in his capacity as President of 
Western Iowa Tech, not only by me but by all of the stakeholders who 
have built partnerships and working relationships with him throughout 
the years. However, knowing Dr. Dunker as I do, I know that retirement 
will not diminish his passion for effecting positive changes in western 
Iowa. I look forward to continuing my relationship with Dr. Dunker, and 
I wish him the very best in all that's before him in retirement.

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