[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 129 (Wednesday, September 10, 2014)]
[House]
[Pages H7392-H7393]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     THE RETIREMENT OF BILL SCHWERI

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Kentucky (Mr. Rogers) for 5 minutes.
  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, Bill has been a champion for 
progress in education, health care, 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 am 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 longtime 
partnerships like Bill. If the University of Kentucky needed a partner 
to improve education or access to health care, Bill ensured the 
connection was secured with his genuine, kind, and humble approach.
  Most leaders seek recognition or credit for their own efforts, but 
that has never been the case with Bill Schweri. His work has led to 
exponential growth of UK's research enterprise and jump-started new 
research initiatives that have enabled the university to be successful 
in competing for Federal grants and contracts.

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  This riveting scientific research on cancer, fossil energy, 
transportation, and agriculture is blazing new trails in every aspect 
of our everyday life in our country, to say nothing of how our State is 
better off for it.

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  He has fought for legislation that is important to UK and student 
financial aid. Bill has 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, Mr. Speaker, 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 
all across Kentucky, and specifically 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 as we honor my friend 
Bill Schweri as we bid him a joy-filled retirement.

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