[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 77 (Tuesday, June 4, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E779]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   RECOGNIZING THOMAS `TE' CAULFIELD

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRIAN HIGGINS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 4, 2013

  Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize my good friend 
Thomas 'Te' Caulfield as he receives the ``Civil Pride Award.'' Te's 
admirable work contributes greatly to the strength and vitality of our 
neighborhood in South Buffalo, New York.
   Te is a pillar in our tight-knit community. He embodies the Celtic 
values of hard work, loyalty, righteousness, and an inimitable sense of 
humor. Through his genuine love of Irish culture, Te builds a deep 
sense of community.
   Born and raised in South Buffalo, Te is a graduate of St. Thomas 
Aquinas, and attended high school at Nichols. Te earned his bachelor's 
degree from Buffalo State College, and went to Vermont College for his 
master's degree in Irish Studies. Te has held positions as an adjunct 
lecturer, speaking to students at the University at Buffalo, Hilbert 
College, Daemon College and Ameri-Corps.
   A lifelong student, Te's extensive research includes the study of 
Irish language through Scoil Cultur na hEireann, Irish song and dance 
through Comhaltas Ceoltrori Eireann, Irish Gaelic identity, the Irish 
Famine in North Ulster, integrated education in Northern Ireland, and 
the study of Irish history through music.
   A dual citizen of the United States and Ireland and a member of the 
Irish American Cultural Institute, Irish Cultural and Folk Art 
Association, and the American Conference of Irish Studies, Te applies 
his research practically to advance cultural exchange. His efforts with 
the City of Buffalo Street Sign Project can be seen in the dual English 
and Gaelic street signs on each street in the South Buffalo Irish 
Heritage District.
   Te is involved in countless community organizations and annual 
events, often serving as the Master of Ceremonies or as one of the lead 
event coordinators. To name only a few, they include the South Buffalo 
Irish Feis, South Buffalo Education Center, the Greater Buffalo Feis, 
American Conference of Irish Studies, American Society of Public 
Administrators, Goin' South, Notre Dame Academy, Nichols Alumni Board, 
Buffalo Board of Education Ethics Committee, South Buffalo Reunion, 
Ride for Roswell, and multiple races, including the Buffalo Marathon 
and the race we celebrate today, the Mount Mercy Academy 5k.
   Te's love of his culture is matched only by his love for his family. 
Te is partner and best friend to Nancy Krug, father of Liam and Lauren 
Caulfield, a graduate of the Mount Mercy Academy class of 1992, and 
grandfather to Mairead and Brian Caulfield, the children of Liam and 
his wife Mary Kay.
   Mr. Speaker, thank you for allowing me to recognize the great works 
and spirit of Te Caulfield. I am grateful for the generosity and 
passion he so willingly shares with us, and I am honored to call him my 
friend.

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