[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 75 (Wednesday, May 9, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E614-E615]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF CYRUS M. JOLLIVETTE

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FREDERICA S. WILSON

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 9, 2018

  Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 
life and legacy of a true ``son of Florida,'' Cyrus M. Jollivette.
  Mr. Speaker, Cyrus M. Jollivette, whom we affectionately called 
``Russ,'' was for many decades a powerful and transformational force in 
the fields of health and higher education. He was a pillar in our 
community who worked tirelessly to help improve the lives of others 
through education. He was a civic leader, wise mentor, loving father, 
doting grandfather, and incredible friend.
  Russ is most recognized for his 24-year tenure at the University of 
Miami, where he

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helped to advance the university's goal to become one of the nation's 
preeminent research institutions. He served in several senior-level 
positions, including executive assistant to President Edward T. Foote 
II and as vice president for government relations during one of the 
most dynamic growth periods in the university's history. Russ was so 
well regarded that his influence stretched across political divides, 
enabling him to successfully lobby lawmakers for funding. His advocacy 
helped secure millions of dollars for the university when he 
represented the institution in Tallahassee and in Washington, D.C.
  Russ's tenure at the University of Miami was followed by various 
executive roles at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida, where he 
spearheaded efforts to bestow a generous gift to the university's 
School of Nursing and Health Studies to provide scholarships for 
minority nursing students.
  Russ was a genuine advocate for African-American children, women, and 
men. He supported minority education and training to advance diversity 
in health science, specifically nursing schools and cancer centers 
throughout the country. He was especially supportive of the nation's 
historically black, Hispanic, and minority-serving colleges, including 
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Florida International 
University, Morehouse College, and Spelman College.
  Russ's contribution to higher-education extended far beyond the 
University of Miami. He worked with many of Florida's schools, colleges 
and universities, including Florida State University, University of 
Florida, University of North Florida, Jacksonville University, Eckerd 
College, Barry University, and St. Thomas University, to improve the 
students' learning experiences. Russ also served as the director of 
Florida Enterprise, helped establish the Florida Education Fund, and 
chaired the National Council for the Advancement of Secondary Education 
and the Southern Governors' Education Board, to name a few.
  Russ also had a successful academic career. He earned a Bachelor of 
Arts degree in business administration at Long Island University's C.W. 
Post campus and a Master of Business Administration in management from 
Long Island University. He also holds a Juris Doctor degree from the 
University of Miami School of Law.
  Russ has served many roles in his lifetime, but the one that he 
cherished the most was friend. Friendship was a special gift that Russ 
shared with so many, and those who've had the privilege of knowing him 
understand exactly what I mean.
  As a graduate of the University of Miami, I am honored to recognize 
Russ for his dedication to education, academic excellence and creating 
access and opportunity where it did not previously exist. Russ was an 
exemplary public servant and will be missed by many. He leaves to 
cherish his memory one daughter, Lynn Jollivette Johns, and two 
grandchildren; his sisters, Regina Jollivette Frazier and Cleo L. 
Jollivette; and countless family and friends.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues and all Americans to please join me 
in paying homage to the life of a great man, a great leader, a great 
father, and a great American, Cyrus M. Jollivette.

                          ____________________