[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 20 (Wednesday, February 3, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E104-E105]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    IN RECOGNITION OF THOMAS P. RUFER UPON HIS RETIREMENT FROM THE 
                       UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXAS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL C. BURGESS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 3, 2016

  Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and thank Thomas 
P. Rufer for his service at the University of North Texas since his 
arrival in August of 2006. Retiring as Associate Vice President of 
Auxiliary Services, Tom, as he is known on campus, has been responsible 
for the leadership and management

[[Page E105]]

of seven auxiliary service operations on UNT's Denton Campus. In this 
role, he oversaw the operations of Student Housing and Residence Life, 
the University Union, Summer Conferences, Campus Vending Services. Tom 
also served as the contract administrator for the UNT Bookstore and the 
self-operated Food Services, the Gateway Center and Coliseum. It is in 
the Gateway Center and Coliseum where I have experienced first-hand the 
quality and service UNT students and staff provide under his capable 
direction.
   Prior to arriving in Denton, Tom worked in the hospitality and 
higher education industries for over 25 years, which proved to be 
excellent preparation for effectively managing all aspects of his 
position with UNT overseeing a breadth and variety of services 
necessary on a campus with over 37,000 students. Serving during a time 
of continued growth, Tom's efforts in expanding operations have allowed 
him to leave an indelible mark on the campus in the day-to-day 
operations management of food and facilities, but also in the campus 
facilities with the construction of Rawlins Hall and the opening of the 
new $137 million Student Union Building--the largest construction 
project in the university's 125 year history.
   Due to Tom's professionalism and commitment to service, the students 
and the greater Denton Community have reaped the benefits of the 
efficiency and discipline he has brought to the campus. On behalf of 
the 26th Congressional District, I also thank him for his service years 
to our nation in the Air Force and wish him the best in his well-earned 
retirement.

                          ____________________