[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 164 (Tuesday, September 22, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E871]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  IN RECOGNITION OF AUSTIN HICKLE SELFLESS EFFORTS TO DEFEAT COVID-19

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                        HON. MICHAEL C. BURGESS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 22, 2020

  Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to express appreciation for 
Southern Methodist University Student Body Vice President Austin Hickle 
of Lubbock, Texas.
  During this pandemic Austin has demonstrated true leadership. He used 
his position as SMU Student Body Vice President to establish the 
College Health Alliance of Texas and recruited other student body 
presidents from colleges and universities across Texas to become a 
unified voice. Together, this alliance would be able to amplify the 
urgency of public health compliance and coordinating greater student 
engagement in all necessary measures to decrease the risk of outbreaks 
among students. By creating this alliance, Austin eliminated a 
leadership vacuum in the COVID-19 response due to the absence of a 
strong student voice encouraging students to do their part and maintain 
best safety practices on campus. The message of these campus leaders 
was carried throughout the state in various media outlets. It 
encouraged students to step up to keep their campuses and communities 
safe.
  For leadership that advanced the cause of public safety during a 
global pandemic, I would like to thank Austin Hickle for his selfless 
efforts on behalf of the State of Texas.

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