[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 19 (Wednesday, January 30, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E111-E112]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     RECOGNIZING WILLIAM J. ``HAPPY'' FULFORD III ON HIS RETIREMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRADLEY BYRNE

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 30, 2019

  Mr. BYRNE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a pillar of the 
Southwest Alabama community, William J. ``Happy'' Fulford III, on his 
retirement as Executive Director for Government Relations at the 
University of South Alabama (USA). After more than 35 years of 
leadership, Happy leaves a legacy of devotion to his alma mater, as 
well as lasting and impactful relationships throughout Alabama and the 
nation. There is no way to measure the number of students, faculty, 
leaders, and members of our community that Happy impacted over his 
career.
  Happy has been devoted to the success and advancement of USA since 
his days as a student. He graduated from USA in 1972 with a bachelor's 
degree, and he later earned a master's degree in Graduate Education 
Leadership in 1991.
  Happy is also remembered for his service to our country, as he served 
in the United States Army Reserve from 1972 to 2002. During his time in 
the Army Reserve, he served in Operation Desert Storm and retired as a 
Colonel, having commanded at the company, battalion, and group levels.
  During his service in the Army Reserve and shortly after his 
undergraduate education, Happy served as the president of the USA 
National Alumni Association, connecting members of the USA community 
throughout the nation through his inspired leadership style and 
outstanding personality. Happy continually forged new paths for USA, 
serving as the University's first Director of Alumni Affairs in 1981, 
its first Development Director in 1986, and its first Executive 
Director of Governmental Relations in 1998.
  Happy's list of achievements, experience, and contributions will 
never be fully appreciated. Few people in this life give as much and 
ask as little recognition as Happy Fulford. A founding member of the 
Higher Education Partnership, a member of the Business Council of 
Alabama, American Legion, Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce, and many 
other organizations, it is clear that his outstanding service knows no 
bounds.
  As his well-deserved nickname suggests, Happy is known for his easy-
going, sincere, and positive outlook on life, while also remaining 
extraordinarily dedicated to the students, faculty, and staff at USA.
  As he enters the next chapter of his life, I wish Happy, his wife 
Sherri, and his entire family all the best as they get to enjoy more 
time with each other. I know that in this new chapter, Happy will 
continue to serve the University of South Alabama in every way he can 
through his tireless efforts to make the students of Southwest Alabama 
prepared for tomorrow and making our community a brighter, better, and 
``happier'' place to be.

[[Page E112]]

  Madam Speaker, please join me in recognizing the decades of service 
of William J. ``Happy'' Fulford. It is difficult to express our 
gratitude in mere words, but on behalf of Alabama's First Congressional 
District and the United States House of Representatives, I thank him.

                          ____________________