[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 24 (Thursday, February 14, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E159]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE LIFETIME OF ACHIEVEMENTS AND CAREER OF DR. SAMUEL LAMAR 
                              WRIGHT, SR.

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. KATHY CASTOR

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 14, 2013

  Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
lifetime of achievements and career of Dr. Samuel Lamar Wright, Sr. Dr. 
Wright's desire to help others, along with his achievements and service 
to the Tampa Bay community is worthy of recognition by all.
  A native Floridian, Dr. Wright grew up in Boynton Beach. In 1974, he 
graduated, with honors, from the University of Florida with a degree in 
Psychology from the College of Arts and Sciences and a degree in 
Psychological Foundations from the College of Education. He later 
continued his studies at the University of South Florida where he 
completed his doctorate in Special Education Administration and 
Supervision.
  After serving as the first black City Councilman in Boynton Beach, 
Dr. Wright moved to Tampa in 1985. He was hired by the University of 
South Florida to plan, create and coordinate student programming for 
minority students. At the time, black students accounted for less than 
5 percent of the student population. He made it his mission to improve 
student enrollment for minorities. He later served for 13 years as the 
university's assistant director for multicultural admissions, allowing 
him to recruit, enroll, mentor and retain minority students, fostering 
diversity on USF's campus. After serving as associate dean of student 
relations and director of multicultural affairs at USF, Dr. Wright is 
now the USF student ombudsman, a position where he cherishes the 
opportunities to mentor students through the challenges of college and 
cheer on their successes.
  Aside from his accomplishments with the University of South Florida, 
Dr. Wright's commitment to the Tampa Bay community has been unwavering. 
In 2001, he organized the first Tampa Bay Black Heritage Festival, a 
multicultural celebration, now held annually, in honor of black history 
and culture in the Tampa area. Dr. Wright also serves as the vice 
president of the Hillsborough County NAACP and has served as a Board 
member with the Tampa Bay Convention and Visitors Bureau. In addition, 
he is actively involved at the state level as a member of the African 
American Task Force and, in 2010, he was appointed by Governor Charlie 
Crist to serve as a board member of the Florida Fund for Minority 
Teachers. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the Glazer's 
Children's Museum.
  After 27 years with the University of South Florida and countless 
contributions to the Tampa Bay community, Dr. Wright is retiring. It is 
clear that he has contributed to the growth and diversity at USF in 
countless ways, while also influencing and effecting students on a 
personal level. While his contributions to USF will be missed, his 
impact on the Tampa area will no doubt continue for years to come.
  The Tampa Bay community is proud to recognize Dr. Samuel Lamar 
Wright, Sr. for his steadfastness and desire to enrich the people of 
our community. His outstanding career and significant contributions 
have made him an inspirational leader. I ask that you and all Americans 
recognize such a remarkable citizen for his service to our community 
and our state.

                          ____________________