[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 92 (Tuesday, May 30, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E504]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      HONORING PRESIDENT THOMAS CROPPER ON HIS DECADES OF SERVICE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN GARAMENDI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 30, 2023

  Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate President 
Thomas Cropper upon his retirement as President of the California State 
University Maritime Academy. Throughout President Cropper's illustrious 
career, his innovation and leadership provided critical support to both 
his community and our country.
  President Cropper demonstrated his persevering and industrious spirit 
from a young age. He graduated from Iowa State University with a 
bachelor's degree in engineering operations, before receiving his 
commission from the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps program in 
1981. For over 30 years, President Cropper bravely served our country 
in the United States Navy. His critical leadership as the commanding 
officer of an F/A-18 squadron and as commander of the air wing aboard 
USS Nimitz was instrumental in strengthening our country's position in 
the international community and protecting Americans at home and 
abroad.
  Following his selfless service in the Navy, President Cropper 
continued his commitment to supporting America's maritime priorities, 
as the 14th president of California State University Maritime Academy. 
For over a decade, President Cropper worked tirelessly to shepherd the 
Academy through a period of change and renewal. He spearheaded efforts 
to integrate the Academy with the broader maritime industry, the 
California State University System, and the communities of Solano 
County and Vallejo. His crucial contributions not only ushered the 
Academy into a new era of prosperity, but also undoubtedly improved the 
quality of life for its students.
  President Cropper's genuine passion for service is characterized not 
only by his career in the Navy and at the Academy, but also by his 
proud involvement in multiple community organizations, including the 
San Francisco Marine Exchange, Vallejo Education Business Alliance, and 
Leadership Vallejo. Most recently, President Cropper was awarded the 
New Dawn Vallejo Agent of Change award and the Chamber of Commerce 
Spirit of Solano award for his crucial contributions to the Solano 
community.
  While his presence at California State University Maritime Academy 
will surely be missed, President Cropper's years of service have 
undeniably enhanced the Solano County community and will continue to 
improve the lives of Californians for many years to come. I would like 
to express my sincere gratitude for President Cropper's dedication and 
commitment to service and wish him the best in his future endeavors.

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