[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 109 (Wednesday, June 23, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E684]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                        RECOGNIZING LOU SPIOTTI

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JOSEPH D. MORELLE

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 23, 2021

  Mr. MORELLE. Madam Speaker, rise today in recognition of Mr. Lou 
Spiotti as he retires from an outstanding career as the Athletic 
Director at the Rochester Institute of Technology, a career spanning 
four decades of unwavering commitment to his student-athletes both on 
and off the field.
  Mr. Spiotti arrived at RIT in 1974 as head football coach, after six 
years he was chosen to lead the athletic program. Under his leadership, 
RIT athletics experienced unprecedented success and growth. From an 
original fifteen programs, Mr. Spiotti oversaw the expansion to twenty-
four programs totaling well over 600 student-athletes and staff. During 
his forty-one-year tenure, RIT secured forty-one Division III 
conference championships--including ten consecutive league titles by 
the men's lacrosse program and women's basketball playing in three 
straight NCAA Tournaments. Mr. Spiotti's decades of service make him 
the longest-tenured intercollegiate athletic director in the nation--a 
remarkable accomplishment.
  Academic success was always as important to Mr. Spiotti as athletic 
success. During his career, the athletic department's cumulative grade 
point average regularly exceeded that of the overall student body. 
Additionally. Mr. Spiotti spearheaded multiple athletic facility 
upgrades including the completion of the 4,300 seat Gene Polisseni 
Center. For his body of work as a leader, coach, and administrator Mr. 
Spiotti has earned the respect and admiration of the RIT community. He 
leaves behind a culture of integrity, character, and class.
  Madam Speaker, I respectfully ask that you join me in extending 
congratulations on Mr. Spiotti's well-deserved retirement and in 
expressing our appreciation for his years of service to the RIT 
community.

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