[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 83 (Thursday, May 13, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E514]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING THE SERVICE OF JAMES DONAHUE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MARK DeSAULNIER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 13, 2021

  Mr. DeSAULNIER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the service 
of an esteemed leader in Contra Costa County, James Donahue, and 
congratulate him on his retirement.
  In 2013, James was appointed as the 29th president of Saint Mary's 
College of California in Moraga with more than 20 years of experience 
in higher education executive leadership. He and I both graduated from 
the College of the Holy Cross. From there, James obtained a Master of 
Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary and then earned his Ph.D. 
in Religious Social Ethics from the Graduate Theological Union. James 
has held numerous lecturing, professorial, and administrative positions 
at institutions such as Santa Clara University, Boston College, and 
Georgetown University where he was also the Dean of Students and Vice 
President for Student Affairs.
  From 2000 to 2013, James served as president of the Graduate 
Theological Union, a consortium of nine theological schools and 
affiliate centers in Berkeley. During this time, James strengthened the 
schools' interreligious and academic programs. He also oversaw 
campaigns that increased financial support for students and established 
the Center for Islamic Studies. James also worked with Saint Mary's 
College administrators and was an advisory board member of the Center 
for Engaged Religious Pluralism. In addition to his work in higher 
education, James has also served as an ethics consultant for the Levi 
Strauss Corporation, the Department of Defense, and the Catholic Health 
Association.
  As President of Saint Mary's College, James has led with a commitment 
to the highest quality education in conjunction with a focus on 
diversity, inclusion, and religious development. He is the first 
layperson to serve as president in the university's 150-year history 
and has successfully carried on the legacy of the Lasallian core 
principles.
  I wish James well in his retirement and thank him for his enduring 
commitment to the education of our students. Please join me in honoring 
James Donahue for his many contributions to our community.

                          ____________________