[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 86 (Monday, June 1, 2015)]
[Senate]
[Page S3401]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO SALOME RAHEIM

 Mr. BLUMENTHAL. Mr. President, I would like to pay tribute to 
one of my constituents, who has recently announced that she will be 
resigning from her position as dean of the University of Connecticut 
School of Social Work. Dr. Salome Raheim has served in this leadership 
position for 7 exemplary years, and she will return as a faculty member 
during July of this year.
  Dr. Raheim has dedicated her career to advancing diversity and 
cultural competence across the board in areas from higher education to 
health and human services. During her time as dean, she has established 
numerous initiatives that have strengthened her department and 
contributed immensely to the future success of her students. Her 
tireless efforts and contributions as dean will be remembered fondly 
and will be missed by many.
  Under Dr. Raheim's leadership, the school has developed a campus-wide 
Just Community initiative, which advocates for a safer, more diverse 
community that is both equal and inclusive. The school has also 
expanded engagement between private and public agencies, in order to 
better provide for local communities and underrepresented populations. 
Dr. Raheim has also aided in fostering international partnerships with 
universities in Germany and Armenia, to the West Indies and Jamaica. 
All of these efforts have been a part in the overall establishment of 
this department as a nationally-recognized faculty of experts.
  As the first African-American woman to hold a deanship at UConn, and 
as a nationally recognized leader in the field of social work 
education, Dr. Raheim has undoubtedly left her mark on the UConn School 
of Social Work.
  My wife Cynthia and I are honored to celebrate Dr. Raheim's 
achievements, and we wish her all the best as she begins the next 
chapter of her life. I know that many across the State of Connecticut 
will join me in congratulating her on this laudable occasion.

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