[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 146 (Tuesday, September 27, 2016)]
[Senate]
[Page S6132]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO DR. ROBERT LARNER

  Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, those who call the Green Mountains home 
know that Vermonters value hard work and community in equal measure. 
The two often go hand in hand when individuals give back to the 
institutions and communities that played roles in their success. Today 
I am honored to recognize both an outstanding individual and an 
exceptional institution for their respective roles in supporting the 
future of medical excellence in Vermont.
  Dr. Robert Larner and his wife, Helen, recently donated $66 million 
in a bequest to the University of Vermont, UVM, medical school, which 
has since been renamed in honor of the 1942 alumnus. The Robert Larner, 
M.D., College of Medicine at the University of Vermont will continue to 
provide a first-class medical education while encouraging 
groundbreaking research in the medical field, from cancer to infectious 
diseases, to neuroscience and beyond.
  Born in Burlington's Old North End in 1918, Robert Larner is the 
youngest of seven children, and the only one among his siblings to go 
to college. He attended the University of Vermont after receiving a 
scholarship for winning a Statewide debate competition and finished his 
undergraduate studies in just 3 years. After completing college in 
1939, he pursued his medical degree at the UVM College of Medicine and 
graduated in 1942. Dr. Larner then served in World War II before 
settling in southern California to establish his own medical practice.
  Though he remained in California for many years, the Vermont native 
credits his home State's flagship university for providing the 
education he needed to succeed. To ensure that future generations also 
receive a similar experience, regardless of personal finances, Dr. 
Larner and his wife have made a number of generous contributions to his 
alma mater. For example, the Larner Scholars Program has created a 
culture of giving by encouraging alumni to support current and future 
medical students. In 2012, the Larners contributed $300,000 for the 
purchase of five cardiopulmonary simulators for the UVM/Fletcher Allen 
Clinical Simulation Laboratory. These are just some of the 
contributions that in 2013 led the university to recognize Dr. Larner 
with the UVM Lifetime Achievement in Philanthropy Award.
  It is through the generosity of Vermonters like Dr. and Mrs. Larner 
that ensure bright futures for Vermont's students and the patients they 
ultimately will serve. Combined with the excellent education offered by 
the University of Vermont, the Larners' contributions create 
opportunities for first-class physicians and researchers who will 
undoubtedly go on to transform the medical field.

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