[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 17 (Thursday, January 28, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Page S193]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          TRIBUTE TO GARY MUDD

  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, the American Printing House for the 
Blind, APH, has held a special place in Gary Mudd's life since he was 
in the sixth grade. Over the last three decades, he has become one of 
the leading voices and most successful advocates for the world's 
largest nonprofit creating educational products for people who are 
blind and visually impaired. Now, Gary is closing that book and 
beginning a well-deserved retirement. As he does, I would like to offer 
my congratulations and recognize his many contributions to APH's 
mission and its future.
  As a student, Gary took classes next door to APH at the Kentucky 
School for the Blind in Louisville. His textbooks prominently displayed 
APH's name. His teachers spoke of the organization with the highest 
esteem. And at night in his dorm room, he could hear the churn of the 
braille printing presses. At this early age, Gary was surrounded by the 
positive difference APH could make in a person's life.
  Of course, his path to APH wasn't as easy as walking next door. Gary 
got his start working in radio. After 4 years, he decided he wanted to 
join the printing house. Anyone who knows Gary could tell you that once 
he set his mind on the job, it was only a matter of time before a new 
opportunity became available. To hear him tell it, Gary badgered APH's 
then-president until he got the chance to put his skills to work as a 
marketing associate in 1986.
  Decades of Gary's characteristic persistence brought more 
opportunities and new responsibilities. At last, he got the chance to 
steer the organization as its vice president of government and 
community affairs. Through books, tactile educational products, and 
ever improving technologies, Gary helped APH drive inclusion and help 
students and adults achieve success.
  At every step, Gary has continued learning and adapting to advance 
APH's mission. He has built strong relationships with educational 
experts and community leaders. In 2011, he even had the chance to join 
Dolly Parton on stage as they announced a partnership with the music 
icon's Imagination Library.
  I have had the pleasure of working closely with Gary to deliver 
hundreds of millions of Federal dollars to help APH serve people 
throughout the country. On Capitol Hill, Gary's loyal guide dogs, 
Heathcliff and Denver, are probably as well-known and admired as he is. 
With a gentle nature and a passion for his work, Gary has made friends 
and allies throughout Washington who are eager to support APH's 
inspiring work.
  Gary has a lot of plans for his retirement, but they don't include 
slowing down. He looks forward to pursuing passions like biking around 
Louisville, reading the books on his shelf, and maybe even going back 
to school. His first goal is to spend more time with his wife, Susan, 
their daughters and their grandchildren. He has earned every minute of 
it. I encourage my Senate colleagues to join me in thanking Gary for 
his leadership in Kentucky and to send him into retirement with our 
best wishes.

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