[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 171 (Monday, October 31, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1098]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING MICHAEL TAYLOR OF SOUTH BOSTON

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. STEPHEN F. LYNCH

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 31, 2022

  Mr. LYNCH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mr. Michael 
Taylor of South Boston, who is retiring after a 50-year career in 
education, government, and human services: A lifelong resident of 
Boston, Michael has spent his career leading community, city-wide and 
governmental organizations, and institutions.
  Michael's long career in the fields of education, government and 
human services began with his first assignment as a Community Organizer 
in the D Street Housing Development followed by his role as 
Administrative Coordinator at the Condon Community School and 
culminating in his retirement this past June as President of the Urban 
College of Boston (UCB).
  Michael took on the responsibility as President of UCB at a time when 
the College was in great financial distress and on the verge of 
closing. Over the course of his nearly ten-year tenure, Michael built 
strategic partnerships with businesses and government and community 
organizations which solidified UCB as an effective and responsive 
minority serving institution. As President, Michael successfully 
advocated for the elimination of all student debt through 2021 and at 
no time during his presidency was tuition raised, helping many students 
afford their education without the burden of student loans. He also 
launched a first in the country initiative in which UCB students could 
become certified clinical research coordinators.
  Michael himself graduated from Boston State College before receiving 
a Master's in Education from Harvard University. Michael served in the 
administrations of three of Boston's Mayors--Kevin White, Raymond 
Flynn, and Thomas Menino. Michael also developed a strong partnership 
with Mayor Martin Walsh which resulted in the development of a new and 
dynamic UCB campus. Michael is known for his willingness to offer 
counsel and his efforts to afford opportunities to anyone interested in 
government and community service. His passion has always been to help 
others and to better his community.
  Michael's love of his community is only exceeded by his love for his 
family and friends. The son of Irish immigrant parents, Robert and Dora 
Taylor, Michael grew up in South Boston with his seven siblings: 
Martha, Doretta, Thomas, Colleen, Roberta, Mark, and Maureen. Michael 
and his wife Janet are the proud parents of their daughter Sara Taylor, 
who now resides in North Carolina. Michael is also proud of the role he 
played in the raising of his stepson Daniel Harlow and his nephew 
Thomas Taylor.
  Although Michael is retiring after five decades in education, 
government and human services, his impact on the people of the City of 
Boston will last far longer.
  Madam Speaker, I am proud to congratulate Mr. Michael Taylor on his 
retirement. I join his family and friends in celebrating his many 
contributions to the City of Boston. I ask that my colleagues join me 
in recognizing his many decades of public service.

                          ____________________