[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 97 (Tuesday, June 12, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E823]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    RECOGNIZING GLORIA CORDES LARSON

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. KATHERINE M. CLARK

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 12, 2018

  Ms. CLARK of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize 
Gloria Cordes Larson, who will step down as the first-ever female 
president of Bentley University on June 30, 2018.
  Throughout her esteemed career, Ms. Larson has been a pioneer in 
higher education, a dedicated civil servant, and a champion for gender 
equity. During her 11 years as Bentley University President, Ms. Larson 
guided the Waltham school through the Great Recession, facilitated its 
transition from a college to a university, and ultimately, secured a 97 
percent job placement rating for the institution's graduates. In 2011, 
she helped found the Bentley Center for Women and Business, a program 
designed to advance shared leadership among women and men at all levels 
of the corporate world. Most recently, under her leadership, Bentley 
University was ranked fourth in U.S. News & World Report's 2018 ``Best 
Value Schools''.
  Prior to her tenure as Bentley University president, Ms. Larson 
served as Secretary of Economic Affairs for the administration of 
Governor Bill Weld; acted as Deputy Director of Consumer Protection at 
the Federal Trade Commission; was the first-ever woman to chair the 
Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce; and led a business advisory cabinet 
for former Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick.
  Upon being asked what her personal priority as President of Bentley 
University was, she reportedly said that it was ``to help women 
breakthrough in the business world.'' In every facet of her 
accomplished career, she has unchained the impossible and shepherded 
the way for the next generation.
  In recognition of her impact on the university, Massachusetts, and 
the advancement of women in business, Bentley University is honoring 
her legacy by naming the Center for Women and Business after Ms. 
Larson. I couldn't think of a worthier recipient and a better 
inspiration for students.
  The trail that Ms. Larson has blazed for women and students in our 
Commonwealth and across the country cannot be understated. We thank her 
for her dedication, and wish her the best of luck as ``president-in-
residence'' of Bentley University's School of Education.

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