[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 56 (Wednesday, March 30, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Page S1850]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                       Tribute to Steve A. Scott

  Mr. MORAN. Mr. President, this evening, I want to take just a few 
moments to recognize Pittsburg State University President Steve Scott. 
His long tenure at PSU--over three decades in total--has shepherded the 
university through various challenges and a period of growth.
  Since taking the helm as president in 2009, he has led through a 
recession, enrollment and recruitment challenges in a global pandemic.
  Early on during the pandemic, as our world was shutting down, I 
hosted a Crawford County virtual check-in with area leaders. President 
Scott was on that Zoom call. It was one of the many Zoom calls we have 
made over the last several years. During that conversation, President 
Scott said that there were three things to do when leading during 
difficult times: One, tell the truth; two, give people hope; and three, 
tell people how they can help. That advice has stuck with me and has 
helped guide my work and my conversations with Kansans ever since, and 
it is good advice that we can follow yet today.
  But President Scott's legacy is not only marked by challenges. 
Pittsburg State has seen tremendous growth and opportunity over the 
past decades: the Bicknell Family Center for the Arts, Block22, the 
expansion of the Overman Student Center, the Plaster Center, and many 
other positive developments.
  These encouraging things highlight his emphasis on being a good 
community partner and his success in further integrating the university 
with the city of Pittsburg, Crawford County, and the region.
  If you have ever been to Pittsburg on game day to cheer on the 
Gorilla's football team, it is clear how well the university pulls the 
community together.
  I have always enjoyed walking through Gorilla Village with President 
Scott to visit with students and community members--with ``Welcome to 
the Jungle,'' of course, playing in the background.
  It is during these events that it is clear how well he relates to 
students, how much he cares for them and enjoys hearing their goals and 
their dreams or, for graduates, what they have accomplished since 
leaving campus.
  I am of the view that we change the world one soul, one student, one 
person at a time. Education is one of the most impactful ways we can do 
that, and I appreciate President Scott's dedication to serving students 
for the past 30 years.
  I also appreciate how closely he has worked with me and my staff to 
advocate for Kansas higher education and identify ways the Federal 
Government can invest in the campus to move both Kansans and Kansas 
forward.
  President Steve Scott will be celebrated this Friday in Pittsburg and 
step down from his position as president in June, but before he does 
so, I want him to know how grateful I am and Kansans are for his 
service.
  He is a public servant through and through, and I look forward to 
seeing what he does next. Whatever it may be, I wish him and Cathy the 
very best.
  President Scott, thank you for your friendship. Thank you for making 
a difference in so many lives. We are grateful for what you have done 
at Pittsburg State University. Best to you and your family.
  I yield the floor.
  I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The senior assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. PORTMAN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order 
for the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Kelly). Without objection, it is so 
ordered.