[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 128 (Tuesday, September 9, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1361]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              BILL SCHWERI

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. HAROLD ROGERS

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, September 9, 2014

  Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a 
dear friend of southern and eastern Kentucky, Mr. Bill Schweri, upon 
his retirement as the Director of Federal Relations at the University 
of Kentucky.
   During his 42 years at the University of Kentucky, Bill has been a 
champion for progress in education, healthcare, and energy research 
across the state. Behind the scenes of Kentucky's highly esteemed 
flagship university, Bill has been a driving force, seeking out 
partnerships, programs and funding to help the most distressed region 
of the Commonwealth. I'm certain there is not a single resource that 
Bill hasn't researched for the benefit of southern and eastern 
Kentucky.
   No one knows the value and power of creating and sustaining long-
time partnerships quite like Bill. If the University of Kentucky needed 
a partner to improve education or access to healthcare, Bill ensured 
the connection was secured with his genuine, kind and humble approach. 
Most leaders seek recognition or credit for their efforts, but that has 
never been the case with Bill.
   His work has lead to exponential growth of UK's research enterprise 
and jumpstarted new research initiatives that have enabled the 
university to be successful in competing for federal grants and 
contracts. This riveting scientific research on cancer, fossil energy, 
transportation and agriculture is blazing new trails in every aspect of 
our everyday life, and our country--to say nothing of our state--is 
better off for it. He has fought for legislation that is important to 
UK and student financial aid. Bill has also been a leader in The 
Science Coalition, and actively involved in the Council on Governmental 
Affairs, and the Association of Public and Land Grant Universities. 
Over the years, he has deservedly gained the utmost respect of his 
peers in federal relations.
   As he departs his post at the University of Kentucky, it is my 
intention to ensure Bill Schweri receives the recognition that is due 
him, for his tireless efforts on behalf of students and families across 
Kentucky, and specifically people living in Kentucky's Fifth 
Congressional District. We hope he knows he always has the thanks of a 
grateful Big Blue Nation.
   Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring my friend 
Bill Schweri as we bid him a joy-filled retirement.

                          ____________________