[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 88 (Monday, June 9, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E915-E916]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      RECOGNIZING DEAN JOHN PIKE ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ANN M. KUSTER

                            of new hampshire

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, June 9, 2014

  Ms. KUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dean John Pike and 
his accomplishments as the director of University of New Hampshire 
Cooperative Extension. As Dean Pike embarks on his retirement, I offer 
my deepest gratitude and commend him for dedicating most of his 
professional life to helping the University of New Hampshire 
Cooperative Extension fulfill its mission. Dean Pike received his 
Bachelor's degree, Master's degree, and Ph.D. from the place he loves 
and has served so well, the University of New Hampshire. A lifelong New 
Hampshire resident, Dean Pike joined Cooperative Extension in 1977 and 
has served an Extension educator, state program leader, and associate 
director prior to his appointment as dean and director in 1998.
   Dean John Pike is truly passionate about the University of New 
Hampshire and the Cooperative Extension. In fact, he attributes his 
success to his steadfast belief in the mission of Cooperative 
Extension: ``to enhance the ability of New Hampshire citizens to make 
informed decisions that strengthen youth, families, and communities, 
sustain natural resources, and improve the economy.'' Dean Pike's 
dedication to the University of New Hampshire is widely known and the 
Dean is well-respected by citizens, volunteers, and elected officials 
throughout the state for his staunch support of University of New 
Hampshire. His leadership will be missed by many.
   In his years as Dean and Director, John Pike has served on many 
University of New Hampshire committees for the greater good of the 
institution. He has been active in the Association of Public and Land 
Grant Universities and served as a past chair of the Deans and 
Directors for the twelve Northeast States and District of Columbia. As 
Associate Director of the Cooperative Extension from 1986 to 1998, Dean 
Pike was instrumental in providing support to major legislative 
committees focused on the future of the organization.
   As an Extension educator from 1977 to 1982, Dean Pike developed 
several innovative youth development programs, including an 
environmental education center and a nationally-recognized program to 
assist out-of-school, low income, and unemployed youth secure 
employment in the private sector. Furthermore, as a state program 
leader from 1982 to 1986, Dean Pike provided leadership for the 
implementation of a comprehensive 4-H program review, resulting in the 
restructuring of state 4-H positions and redirection of efforts in 
program development. In a show of his dedication to New Hampshire 
families, Dean Pike

[[Page E916]]

was confirmed by the New Hampshire Governor and Executive Council as a 
board member of the New Hampshire Division of Children, Youth and 
Families, and was elected chair of the board in the mid-1980s.
   Dean Pike's service to the Granite State has extended far beyond the 
University. He has served as a parochial school board member, mediator 
for a youth diversion program, member of his local recreation 
commission, youth sports coach, and as a commissioner for the Dover 
Housing Authority. In 1986, Pike was aptly awarded the Distinguished 
Service Award by the National Extension Agents Association.
   I congratulate Dean Pike for his distinguished career and thank him 
for his dedication to serving the people of New Hampshire. Dean Pike's 
service to the University, the Cooperative Extension, and our state has 
impacted generations of New Hampshire leaders and his legacy will 
continue to inspire Granite Staters for years to come.

                          ____________________