[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 60 (Thursday, April 23, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E583]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING DR. RUTH B. LOVE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BARBARA LEE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 23, 2015

  Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary career 
of Dr. Ruth B. Love.
  Dr. Love was born in Lawton, Oklahoma, and grew up in Bakersfield, 
California, where she attended public schools. From a young age, Dr. 
Love displayed a deep passion for reading, which she transformed into a 
career in education. Dr. Love received her B.A. in education from San 
Jose State University, her M.A. in Guidance and Counseling from San 
Francisco State University, and her Ph.D. in Human Behavior and 
Psychology from the United States International University.
  Dr. Love began her teaching career in Oakland, California. In 
addition to teaching, which she enjoyed immensely, Dr. Love worked on 
various projects, at the local, national, and international levels. She 
served as the Project Director for Operation Crossroads Africa in 
Ghana. She was also selected for the National Fulbright Program in 
England, where she taught for a year and was able to travel the world.
  Dr. Love also took on various roles at the California State Education 
Department, where she served in a statewide role as Bureau Chief for 
Program Development. She went on to join the Federal Office of 
Education as National Director of the Right to Read Program, and worked 
with Congress to enact the National Reading Program and other important 
pieces of legislation.
  Eventually, Dr. Love was recruited to serve as Superintendent of the 
Oakland Unified School District, where her teaching career had begun. 
She served for nearly seven years, pioneering innovative programs and 
helping Oakland students achieve national norms on standardized tests. 
After much consideration, Dr. Love accepted the position of General 
Superintendent for the Chicago Board of Education, where she oversaw 
one of the largest school districts in the nation--comprising over 500 
schools, 44,000 employees, and a $2 billion budget.
  Prior to her retirement in 2014, Dr. Love was the Founder and 
President of RBL Enterprises, an education consulting company. Dr. Love 
traveled the world extensively in this capacity, lecturing and advising 
on education policy. She also worked for many years as a professor in 
the Doctorate Programs at San Francisco State University and the 
University of California, Berkeley.
  On a personal note, I have had the privilege to be with Dr. Love in 
Ghana and witness the respect and love Ghanaians have for her. She is 
truly a citizen of the world, and has shared her knowledge and 
experiences with those who have not had the chance to visit Africa. 
Many years ago, I met Dr. Love's late mother. I will always remember 
the love, kindness, and selfless caregiving Dr. Love provided her 
mother in spite of her busy schedule. She was an inspiration to me as I 
had the honor to care for my late mother in her golden years.
  On behalf of the residents of California's 13th Congressional 
District, Dr. Ruth B. Love, I salute you. I thank you for a lifetime of 
service and congratulate you on your many achievements. I wish you and 
your loved ones the very best.

                          ____________________