[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 171 (Tuesday, October 24, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1411]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    RECOGNIZING ROBERT T. SCOTT OF ST. JOSEPH'S COLLEGIATE INSTITUTE

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                           HON. BRIAN HIGGINS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 24, 2017

  Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise in recognition of Mr. 
Robert T. Scott of St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute. Throughout his 47 
year career at St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute, Mr. Scott has served 
in numerous roles. He joined the faculty as a Religion and History 
Teacher in 1971, served as Vice Principal for Student Affairs for 
twenty years before becoming Principal, and--since 2004--has been the 
school's first lay President.
  In each role, Mr. Scott's countless contributions and genuine care 
for the St. Joe's community impacted thousands of young men and their 
families. He is present every day, all day, and is simply an 
institution who has personally guided our school's mission for decades. 
His tireless fundraising efforts remain focused on student financial 
aid to ensure that a St. Joe's education is affordable and accessible.
  Since the beginning of his tenure, Mr. Scott has lived the Lasallian 
Mission in the footsteps of the Founder of the Brothers of the 
Christian Schools, St. John Baptist de La Salle. He has completed the 
Buttimer Institute of Lasallian Studies, the Lasallian Leadership 
Institute, and held numerous leadership positions throughout the 
Christian Brothers network in the United States. As a testament to his 
life of service, he became an Affiliated Member of the Brothers in June 
2001--the order's high honor.
  In 2009, his leadership ofthe school's capital campaign, entitled 
Pride in our Past . . . Faith in our Future, generated more than $13 
million to construct a state-of-the-art Science Facility, a modern 
Athletic Complex, and a new residence for the Christian Brothers. After 
an overwhelming response to the campaign, the Board of Trustees 
unanimously voted to name the athletic complex in Mr. Scott's honor.
  With his constant support and encouragement, notable innovations in 
both curriculum and physical space have taken place. Recently, the 
library was converted into a digital learning space and course 
offerings in the STEM fields continue to increase. Currently, an 
acquired building adjacent to campus is being converted into an 
Innovation Center.
  His greatest influence, however, has been on the young men who passed 
through the halls. During the last four decades, St. Joe's students' 
lives have been deeply influenced, shaped, and cared for by Mr. Scott.
  After attending Catholic grammar and high school in Western New York, 
Mr. Scott received a Bachelor of Arts in History from Marist College in 
Poughkeepsie, NY. He began graduate studies in Hebrew and the Old 
Testament at the University of Dayton before serving for two years in 
United States Army. He finished his Master's Degree in Religious 
Studies at Canisius College in 1975.
  Today, Mr. Scott serves as a member of the Board of Trustees for 
Christian Brothers Academy in Syracuse and the Elmwood Franklin School 
in Buffalo. He is a past member of the Board of Trustees of Mt. St. 
Mary Academy, Holy Angels Academy, and the Nativity Miguel School.
  Mr. Scott has been married to his wife, Michelle, for 49 years. He is 
the proud parent of Jason and Tracy, and grandparent of Tracy's 
children, Noah and Sarah.
  Mr. Speaker, I honor and recognize Mr. Scott for his selfless service 
to the young men of St. Joe's and the community of Western New York.

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