[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 112 (Monday, June 28, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E706]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING THOMAS B. DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DARRELL ISSA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 28, 2021

  Mr. ISSA. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize and celebrate the life 
and accomplishments of Thomas B. Day, who passed away on June 15, 2021.
  Day dedicated over 30 years of his abundant life to higher education 
and paved the way for thousands of students to achieve their academic 
and professional goals. Among Day's numerous accomplishments in 
academia, public service, and science include appointments to the 
National Science Board by Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush 
and receipt of the Senior Fellow and Fellow titles, respectively, from 
the California Council on Science and Technology and the American 
Physical Society. Serving as President of San Diego State University 
(SDSU) from 1978/ 1996, Day oversaw the creation of six doctoral 
programs and a strategic shift that emphasized faculty-intensive 
research.
  Referred to as one of the most transformative presidents in the 
history of SDSU, under his guidance, the SDSU campus significantly 
expanded, as he created a path for what is now California State 
University San Marcos, the SDSU School of Public Health, and the SDSU 
School of Communication. A credit to Day's vision, SDSU School of 
Public Health now produces 75 percent of the public health work force 
in San Diego.
  Day's legacy continues to be recognized. In 2018, SDSU named the 
school's engineering and interdisciplinary sciences complex the 
``Thomas B. and Anne K. Day Quad'' in his honor.
  Additionally, SDSU's freshman success programs are now called the 
``Thomas B. Day Student Success Programs'' to reflect Day's advocacy 
for ensuring that students had access to services that could support 
and enrich their learning opportunities.
  These accolades reflect Day's strong dedication to SDSU and his deep 
hope for the continuous betterment of our community.
  While we mourn the loss of an extraordinary leader in our community, 
we can find joy in the fact that Day's legacy will continue to enrich 
the lives of generations of Californians to come.

                          ____________________