[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 80 (Tuesday, May 14, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E587]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING THOMAS J. SCHWARZ

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. NITA M. LOWEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 14, 2019

  Mrs. LOWEY. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor Thomas J. Schwarz, 
President of State University of New York, Purchase College, as the 
College honors him this month for his 17 years of distinguished 
leadership on the occasion of his retirement.
  Since Mr. Schwarz was appointed as Purchase College's fifth President 
in 2003, the college has seen substantially improved retention and 
graduation rates. He prioritized social responsibility throughout his 
presidency. In 2007, he signed the ``American College and University 
Presidents' Climate Commitment,'' expressing the sense that Purchase 
College would chart a course toward climate neutrality. In 2015, 
Purchase College constructed its first LEED Gold-certified campus 
building and continues to renovate existing buildings with more energy-
efficient technology. Mr. Schwarz oversaw the development of the 
Broadview Senior Living Center, a senior living community on the 
Purchase College Campus that will promote lifelong learning.
  Throughout his career, he was deeply committed to public service. He 
served as mayor of the Village of Ocean Beach, New York; Special 
Counsel to the New York State Commission on Government Integrity; Chief 
Judge to the Commission to Promote Public Confidence in Judicial 
Integrity, and Counsel to the Governor's Judicial Screening Program. 
The Legal Aid Society recognized him with its Pro Bono Award in 1998.
  Madam Speaker, I urge my fellow Members of Congress to join me in 
expressing thanks to Mr. Schwarz for his many years of outstanding 
public service and student advocacy.

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