[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 175 (Thursday, December 3, 2015)]
[House]
[Pages H9003-H9004]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       Honoring Diana R. Garland

  Mr. FLORES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Diana R. Garland of 
Waco, Texas, who passed away on September 21, 2015.
  Diana Garland was a teacher, dean, and a valued leader in the Baylor 
University community. She led a full life and will be greatly missed in 
our community.
  Diana was born on August 18, 1950, in Oklahoma City. She earned her 
undergraduate, master's, and doctoral degrees from the University of 
Louisville. After completing her degree, she went on to serve as 
professor of Christian family ministry and social work at the Southern 
Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville.
  In 1997, Diana and her husband, David, moved to Waco and joined the 
faculty at Baylor University. One year later, Diana was named the 
director of the university's Center and Community Ministries. Under her 
leadership, Baylor University expanded its social work program. Later 
when the university created the School of Social Work, she was 
appointed its founding dean.
  During the following decade, Diana oversaw the school's rise to 
national recognition. Under her guidance, the School of Social Work 
grew to 20 full-time faculty members and 240 graduate and undergraduate 
students. During her tenure, she helped raise more than $7 million for 
research and established an endowment of $14.5 million.
  In 2010, Diana administered the school's move to downtown Waco. This 
move allowed the school to triple its teaching and lab space. To 
commemorate her achievements as the school's dean, the Board of Regents 
recently voted to name the university's School of Social Work in her 
honor.
  In addition to her teaching duties, Diana was the author, coauthor, 
and editor of 21 books and more than 100

[[Page H9004]]

academic articles. Her literary works included: ``Flawed Families of 
the Bible: How God's Grace Works Through Imperfect Relationships''; 
``Inside Out Families: Living the Faith Together''; and ``Why I Am a 
Social Worker: 25 Christians Tell Their Life Stories.''
  Diana was also the first lady of Baylor University while her husband, 
David Garland, served as the interim president from 2008 to 2010.
  Diana stepped down as dean on June 1 of this year due to her battle 
with cancer. She enjoyed the last few months of her life taking in 
God's beauty in Colorado.
  Mr. Speaker, Diana Garland left a strong legacy at Baylor University 
and touched the lives of many. She will be forever remembered as a 
cherished mentor, a loving wife, and a visionary servant leader.
  My wife, Gina, and I offer our deepest and heartfelt condolences to 
the Garland family. We also lift up the family and friends of Diana 
Garland in our prayers.
  As I close, I ask that all Americans continue to pray for our country 
during these difficult times, for our military men and women who 
protect us abroad, and for our first responders who protect us here at 
home.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

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