[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 128 (Tuesday, September 9, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1363]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       HONORING A LIFETIME OF PUBLIC SERVICE OF DR. GLENN POSHARD

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. WILLIAM L. ENYART

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, September 9, 2014

  Mr. ENYART. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the careers of a true 
champion of Southern Illinois, Dr. Glenn Poshard. I say the ``careers'' 
in the plural form because Glenn wore many hats--soldier, educator, 
legislator, administrator and advocate, in his service to his 
community, his state and his nation.
  Born and raised in Southern Illinois, Glenn Poshard served in the 
U.S. Army, deployed to Korea. On returning home, Glenn used the GI Bill 
to begin a relationship with Southern Illinois University that would 
span over 40 years and include roles as a student (Glenn earned 
bachelors, masters and doctoral degrees from SIU Carbondale), adjunct 
professor, administrator and University President.
  Glenn began a career in education as a high school teacher and coach, 
and served as the director of the Southern Illinois Educational Service 
Center. He began his legislative career when he was appointed to fill a 
seat in the Illinois Senate in 1984. He would represent Southern 
Illinois in that body until 1988 when he was elected to the U.S. 
Congress. Glenn would serve in Congress until 1999 and there are still 
a number of members who served with Glenn in this chamber who continue 
to count on him as a trusted friend and colleague.
  Throughout his tenure in Congress, Glenn was well known as a champion 
of working men and women who stood up for the needs of his constituents 
in Southern Illinois. Glenn worked tirelessly to secure job creation, 
educational opportunities, health care facilities and fair wages. He 
also led by example on campaign finance reform and worked to limit the 
influence of money in politics. Throughout his political career, Glenn 
was known as a fiery orator who brought crowds to their feet. By word 
and deed, Glenn always inspired his constituents and instilled optimism 
and hope.
  After retiring from Congress, Glenn returned to education and his 
beloved Southern Illinois University where he was named vice chancellor 
of administration at SIU Carbondale. He served on the Board of Trustees 
until 2005, when he resigned to seek the position of University 
President, a post he held until retiring from that position this past 
Spring. Glenn Poshard's tenure as SIU President was the second longest 
in the university's history.
  Fifteen years ago, Glenn and his wife, Jo (also an educator), 
cofounded the Poshard Foundation for Abused Children. This charitable 
organization has provided invaluable assistance to children who have 
suffered abuse and also serves as an advocacy tool in the fight to 
permanently eradicate the scourge of abuse that impacts far too many 
children and families in Southern Illinois and throughout our nation.
  Throughout many roles, Glenn Poshard has always worked for the 
betterment of Southern Illinois and its people. He has done so as a 
model of integrity and inspiration. I am proud to call him my friend.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Dr. Glenn 
Poshard and expressing our appreciation for his lifetime of public 
service.

                          ____________________