[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 128 (Thursday, September 20, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1576]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                             DR. SAM MONROE

                                 ______
                                 

                              HON. TED POE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 20, 2012

  Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, since its founding in 1909, Lamar 
State College--Port Arthur has undergone many changes, growing from a 
petrochemical industry training ground to a flourishing two-year 
college, offering degrees in numerous highly valued skills. But for 38 
years, there has been one constant on campus and that's the leadership 
of President Dr. Sam Monroe, now recognized as the longest-serving 
president of a Texas higher education institution.
  While Dr. Monroe was not born in Port Arthur, he got there as fast as 
he could. He moved from College Station at an early age and has 
remained in the Southeast Texas area ever since, keeping him tuned in 
to the needs of the surrounding community. Dr. Monroe's career began at 
the former Port Arthur College, serving as Executive Vice President 
before being elected President in 1974. Wasting no time making 
significant changes, he proposed a merger with Lamar University in 
nearby Beaumont a year later, forming Lamar University--Port Arthur.
  Dr. Monroe has overseen a great expansion during his tenure. In 1999, 
they were granted admission into the Texas State University System then 
renamed Lamar State College--Port Arthur. A $5.9 million Performing 
Arts Center opened in 2004, and a 7,500 square foot Student Success 
Center was completed in 2011. Dr. Monroe was instrumental in founding 
and operating the Museum of the Gulf Coast, located in downtown Port 
Arthur, which tells the history of this special region. 2004 saw the 
Lamar State College--Port Arthur Seahawks begin play in Men's 
Basketball and Girl's Softball, helping to create an expanded athletic 
program and a full college experience.
  Many honors and distinctions have been given to Dr. Monroe. The Port 
Arthur News named him its Citizen of the Year in 2004. He was the first 
male recipient of the Quota International of Southeast Texas Man of the 
Year Award in 2005, the first time in almost 60 years that the award 
was open to both males and females. Earlier this month, he was 
recognized by Governor Rick Perry as the education president with the 
longest service in Texas. And, his dedication to the community has 
expanded outside of campus as Dr. Monroe has volunteered his time on 
such varied organizations as the Port Arthur Public Library and the 
Port Arthur Housing Authority.
  Thanks to Dr. Sam Monroe, Lamar State College--Port Arthur has 
transitioned from a small technical school to a sprawling, 40-acre 
campus home to over 3,000 students. I am proud to recognize his 
accomplishments. He has touched countless lives, and Southeast Texas is 
a better place for it.
  And that's just the way it is.

                          ____________________