[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 160 (Wednesday, December 12, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1912-E1913]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING THE LIFE OF RICHARD D. RUPPERT, MD

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MARCY KAPTUR

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 12, 2012

  Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a remarkable 
human being, Dr. Richard Ruppert. Dr. Ruppert unexpectedly passed from 
this life on October 22, 2012. Dr. Ruppert was a friend and advisor to 
many, including me, and we were indeed privileged to have known him.
  Born in Rural Ohio 81 years ago, Richard Ruppert worked in the family 
farm for five years after he graduated from high school. He then went 
on to Ohio State University, where he received his undergraduate and 
medical degrees. While at Ohio State University, he met and married his 
wife, Elizabeth Ruppert, MD.
  Following his residency, Dr. Ruppert returned to OSU, where he was 
professor of gastroenterology in the Department of Medicine for nine 
years. He was named assistant dean of the College of Medicine in 1970, 
adding medical director for patient services two years later. He was 
named vice chancellor for health affairs at the Ohio Board of Regents 
in 1974, and in 1977 Dr. Ruppert became the third president of the 
Medical College of Ohio. During his 16 year term, the Medical College 
of Ohio saw unprecedented growth, was established as a leader in 
medicine, and came into its own as a premier institution. Dr. Ruppert's 
able guidance directed the Medical College of Ohio through an 
illustrious time and his leadership is unparalleled. As one colleague 
described it, ``Much of MCO's success can be credited to Richard D. 
Ruppert. From a new college on a divided campus--one part farmland and 
the other a deteriorating county hospital complex--he provided guidance 
and the political skills to develop the new campus to its present ten 
structures . . . The school has emerged from its early growing pains to 
achieve an identity as a quality medical institution during Dr. 
Ruppert's tenure, with a large credit due to his leadership and 
vision.''
  Even as he presided at the helm of the medical college, Dr. Ruppert 
gave himself to civic affairs. He served a decade on the Toledo Lucas 
County Port Authority Board, four

[[Page E1913]]

as chair. He was a Rotarian, serving one term as president. He chaired 
the United Way of Greater Toledo campaign, was a member and president 
of the Ohio Historical Society Board and member of the Hayes 
Presidential Center. He served a decade as trustee, campaign chair, and 
president of the Fort Meigs Historical Society and was president of the 
Torch Club.
  In all things: family, work, and community, Dr. Richard Ruppert gave 
all. He leaves a legacy few could match. His brilliance, humor, grace, 
kindness and insatiable curiosity and love of life were true gifts. He 
and his wife Libby have been a team unmatched, a gift that keeps giving 
to us all--our community, advanced medicines, academic excellence, 
friends and colleagues, loyalty to community, persevering leadership. 
Dr. Richard Ruppert made a difference for humanity and we are eternally 
grateful for his life and service to America.

                          ____________________