[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 94 (Wednesday, June 20, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1097]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 ON THE RETIREMENT OF PULASKI TECHNICAL COLLEGE PRESIDENT, DR. DAN F. 
                                 BAKKE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TIM GRIFFIN

                              of arkansas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 20, 2012

  Mr. GRIFFIN of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer my 
congratulations to Pulaski Technical College president, Dr. Dan F. 
Bakke, on the occasion of his retirement and to recognize his 
contribution to my home state of Arkansas.
  In his twelve years at the helm of the college, Dan focused on 
improving the quality and accessibility of education at Pulaski Tech.
  When he became president in 2000, Pulaski Tech's enrollment was only 
4,300 students, and, today, as he leaves, the college has an enrollment 
of nearly 12,000 students.
  Not only did he help triple the size of the college's enrollment, he 
oversaw its expansion from four locations in Pulaski County to seven 
locations in Pulaski and Saline Counties.
  Through this expansion, Pulaski Tech was able to provide a quality 
education to thousands who otherwise might not have had the chance to 
attend college. This is a remarkable accomplishment and one that has 
had a positive impact on job opportunities across Arkansas.
  Additionally, Pulaski Tech is home to the Business and Industry 
Center, which provides customized training for more than 200 companies 
in central Arkansas. At this center, students obtain training in 
cutting-edge industries to become qualified for job opportunities 
coming online each day.
  Pulaski Tech continues to graduate well-prepared and well-educated 
adults equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in 
today's job market.
  Dan leaves behind a legacy of accomplishment, achievement, and 
success at Pulaski Technical College along with a record of having 
improved the lives of thousands of students.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Dan on his 
retirement and wishing him and his wife, Jane, well on their new 
journey.

                          ____________________