[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 172 (Friday, October 19, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1431-E1432]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY AND HER NEW PRESIDENT, DR. 
                            LISA C. FREEMAN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROBIN L. KELLY

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 19, 2018

  Ms. KELLY of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about one 
of my alma maters, Northern Illinois University, and her new president, 
Dr. Lisa C. Freeman.

[[Page E1432]]

  Dr. Freeman was appointed by the NIU Board on September 20, 2018, to 
serve as the university's 13th president and first woman president--
lucky number 13.
  As a proud NIU alum, earning my PhD in political science from NIU in 
2004, I'm excited to welcome Dr. Freeman to her new, and finally, 
official role. She previously served as acting president since July 
2017.
  Dr. Freeman has dedicated her career to the promotion of social 
excellence and engagement in teaching and learning, research and 
scholarship, creativity and artistry, and outreach and service.
  I have no doubt that her inspiring nature and example will surely 
lead NIU to greater heights under her steadfast and visionary 
leadership.
  Her commitment to the academic excellence of the students and faculty 
at NIU will maintain NIU's leadership as a world-class institution. 
Throughout her career, Dr. Freeman has fostered an inclusive learning 
environment where students and faculty can live, grow and thrive.
  As a proud NIU alum, I can recount the moments throughout my 
educational journey where men and women, like Dr. Freeman, helped pave 
a way for me and others to succeed, in the classroom, in our careers 
and in life.
  In my current role as the Congresswoman for Illinois' 2nd District, 
it encourages me to see the broad-spectrum collaboration and 
participation underway at NIU, from science and mathematics to 
political science, business and the arts.
  My office and constituents have certainly benefitted from the great 
educational experience available at NIU. In fact, a number of my 
current and former staffers and interns are all NIU alums, and they 
work hard every day to serve the great people of the 2nd Congressional 
District.
  As our institutions of higher learning face 21st century challenges, 
I know that NIU, under Dr. Freeman's leadership, will rise up and not 
only meet but also exceed these challenges.
  In particular, Dr. Freeman's own personal examples as a barrier-
breaking researcher in the STEM field will certainly inspire many young 
people to find their own place and path in the dynamic, growing and 
innovative STEM fields.
  As a proud Husky, it's my honor to welcome Dr. Freeman as the 13th 
President of Northern Illinois University. I am confident that under 
her leadership, NIU will continue to flourish as an innovative and 
world-leading, student-centered, research-focused public university.
  Welcome once again and go Huskies.

                          ____________________