[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 72 (Friday, April 28, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E382-E383]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     RECOGNIZING SONDRA MYERS' LIFELONG CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE ARTS, 
                     HUMANITIES, AND PUBLIC SERVICE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MATT CARTWRIGHT

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 28, 2023

  Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sondra Myers 
to celebrate her retirement after nearly two decades as the founding 
director of The University of Scranton's Schemel Forum. Sondra is also 
the co-founder of Scranton's Interdependence Day, which promotes 
reaching out to neighbors and the world community to show that working 
together for security, economic and social justice, and preservation of 
the earth is essential.

[[Page E383]]

Sondra has been instrumental in bringing the world to Scranton, and her 
impact on the community cannot be overstated.
  Before joining The University of Scranton, Sondra served in various 
leadership roles, including as a special assistant to the chairman for 
partnerships at the National Endowment for the Humanities, cultural 
advisor to Pennsylvania Governor Robert P. Casey, and senior associate 
at the University of Maryland's Democracy Collaborative. She has also 
held numerous positions in academia, including director of the 
President's Millennium Seminars at The George Washington University and 
senior advisor on civic affairs to the president of Connecticut 
College.
  Sondra has written, edited, and co-edited several books on democracy 
and civic engagement, presented programs in several countries, and 
organized and moderated symposia on culture and public policy for 
academic institutions and cultural organizations throughout the United 
States. Her impact on the national stage is evident through her 
appointments by Presidents Obama and Carter to the Commission on 
Presidential Scholars and the U.S. Commission on Fine Arts, 
respectively.
  Sondra's leadership and expertise have been invaluable to the 
University of Scranton. Under her guidance, the Schemel Forum has 
become a highly popular program that brings renowned speakers to 
Scranton to engage in dialogue on a wide range of topics. Sondra's 
commitment to promoting cultural understanding and learning has 
enriched the community, and her legacy will continue to inspire 
scholars for generations.
  Sondra's contributions to the arts and humanities are immeasurable, 
and her dedication to public service, is truly admirable. I extend my 
heartfelt congratulations on her retirement and wish her many 
fulfilling and enjoyable years ahead with her husband, Morey, and 
family.

                          ____________________