[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 31 (Friday, February 26, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E242]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        IN HONOR OF RAY LAUGHTER

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEVIN BRADY

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 26, 2016

  Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, as my friend, Ray Laughter, prepares 
to retire as Vice Chancellor of External Affairs for the Lone Star 
College system, he is leaving big shoes for his successor to fill. How 
do you replace a driving force for education and economic development 
in our district such as Ray?
  Since 2002, Ray has led the Lone Star College Foundation, the 
Community Leadership Institute, the Small Business Development Center, 
as well as the college's public information and publications, 
governmental relations, and regional economic development departments. 
He was also the driving force in the passage of bond issues that 
ensures the college system is meeting the needs of our growing region.
  Prior to becoming vice chancellor, Ray served the college system as 
executive director of the Center for Business and Economic Development 
and the director of the Small Business Development Center. If you ever 
wondered why Ray sets such sky-high goals and achieves them, just 
remember he was once chief administrative officer for an international 
helicopter manufacturer.
  Ray's community and civic commitments don't stop with his work at 
Lone Star. He shared his invaluable experience by serving on numerous 
national, state and local boards, and various committees focused on 
economic development and educational needs.
  Development Councils, Partnerships, Chambers, and boards in The 
Woodlands and across the state and the south rely on Ray to bring 
together education and economic development projects in innovative and 
thoughtful ways.
  As a military officer's son who settled in Texas, Ray graduated from 
the University of Houston, where he also earned his MBA. Ever since 
then, his days and many nights have been filled helping our community 
learn, grow and prosper.
  While his wife and kids are hoping to see more of him now, Ray has 
already committed to serving as chairman of the Houston Northwest 
Chamber of Commerce board next year. My friend Ray is a servant leader 
who has set a high example for others to follow.
  Many thousands of students and families have lifetimes of 
opportunities ahead because of Ray's hard work. I can't imagine the 
Lone Star College System without him, but then I know that he is always 
just a phone call or email away whenever our community needs him.
  Thank you Ray Laughter, for showing us all that the sky is the limit 
for a true leader.

                          ____________________