[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 142 (Thursday, September 22, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1689]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


               HONORING THE SERVICE OF DR. JOSEPH R. FINK

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. LYNN C. WOOLSEY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 22, 2011

  Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Joseph R. Fink 
and recognize his contribution to higher education and community 
involvement in Marin County, California. Dr. Fink is retiring as the 
President of Dominican University of California.
  It has been my privilege to work closely with Dr. Fink for many 
years, during which time his friendship and assistance have been 
invaluable. Under his leadership Dominican has established itself as a 
successful university with high ideals and a big vision. Establishing 
the Green MBA Program and the Center for Sustainability, Dominican 
University has emerged as an innovative school whose students are 
working to develop creative solutions to some of the world's toughest 
problems.
  Dr. Fink earned a doctorate in American History from Rutgers 
University and began his career as an Associate Professor of History 
and Assistant to the President at a small liberal arts college. Before 
coming to Dominican University, he served as Dean of Arts and Sciences 
at the City Colleges of Chicago, president of a public college in New 
Jersey, and president of an independent liberal arts college in 
Pennsylvania. He is the recipient of many awards and recognitions, 
including four honorary doctorate degrees for his achievements in 
higher education and community service.
  Starting at Dominican University in 1988, during a period of 
transition, Dr. Fink restructured the management of the university to 
move it from small college to university status. He worked with the 
Board of Trustees and the faculty to successfully assume control of 
academic and fiscal affairs to put the university on a whole new 
course. With his expertise in management, the university's enrollment 
almost quadrupled while the average SAT scores rose by more than 180 
points. A leader with considerable collaborative skills, he has been 
innovative in creating opportunities for friends of the university to 
support its mission. With increased fundraising, the annual operating 
budget rose dramatically allowing extensive campus renovation, the 
building of a new recreation complex, new residence halls, and a state-
of-the-art science research center.
  In addition to being a very competent administrator, Dr. Fink is an 
outstanding member of the community, serving on the boards of a variety 
of organizations, including the Council of Independent Colleges, the 
World Affairs Council of Northern California, the Marin Symphony, the 
American Land Conservancy, and the Commonwealth Club of California.
  Mr. Speaker, Dr. Fink is a man of remarkable talent and considerable 
commitment, he will be missed in the community and at the university, 
but we honor him today and wish him well in his next endeavor. 
Congratulations, Joseph Fink.

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