[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 107 (Thursday, June 23, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E666]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING DR. SANDRA HARRIS' 70TH BIRTHDAY

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                          HON. DEBBIE DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 23, 2022

  Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Sandra 
Harris of Ann Arbor, Michigan on the occasion of her 70th birthday. Her 
excellent service to our community is worthy of commendation.
  Born and raised in Ann Arbor, Dr. Harris is a graduate of Mack 
Elementary, Forsythe Middle School, and Pioneer High School. She 
attended Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti where she earned four 
degrees: a bachelors, masters, specialists, and doctorate, all in the 
education field. She began her career at Ann Arbor Public Schools, 
serving in various roles, including as teacher, Vice Principal, 
Personnel Director, and Vocational Coordinator. Dr. Harris then went on 
to serve as Superintendent at Lincoln Consolidated Schools and the Oak 
Park School District before retiring. Coming out of retirement, Dr. 
Harris now serves as Dean Emerita and Director of Graduate Education at 
the School of Education at Concordia University in Ann Arbor.
  Dr. Harris' lifelong dedication to education exemplifies her passion 
for helping the youth in our community succeed and thrive. Her work has 
touched the lives of so many and her warmth and enthusiasm for helping 
others is made known wherever she goes. Even if she is busy, she always 
has time to mentor the next generation. Her commitment to our students 
has not gone unnoticed, and Dr. Harris is the recipient of multiple 
awards including the Women of Distinction Award from the Girl Scouts of 
the Huron Valley Council, the Outstanding Professional Educator Award 
from the Ann Arbor Club of the National Association of Negro Business 
and Professional Women's Clubs, the Most Influential Women Award from 
Business Direct Weekly, and the Women of Courage-Women of Change Award 
from the Minerva Educational Development Foundation.
  Dr. Sandra Harris has paved the way for young African American women 
in our community and is a trailblazer in educational leadership. She is 
the first African American to earn a Doctor of Education from Eastern 
Michigan University, the first African American to hold the position of 
Superintendent for Lincoln Consolidated Schools and the first African 
American to become a Dean at Concordia University. Additionally, she 
was the first female Superintendent at Oak Park School District. Dr. 
Harris is a member of the Ann Arbor Chapter of the Links, Delta Sigma 
Theta Sorority, Inc., the National Association of Negro Business and 
Professional Women's Clubs, and the Second Baptist Church of Ann Arbor. 
Her continued involvement and outstanding contributions to our 
community are commendable, and I am proud to honor all her 
accomplishments here today.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating Dr. 
Sandra Harris on her 70th birthday. She is someone that I am proud to 
call my friend. I join with Sandra's family and friends in extending my 
best and warmest wishes to her on this special day.

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