[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 167 (Thursday, October 12, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E957-E958]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING DR. LAWRENCE AND GILLIAN GERATY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MARK TAKANO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 12, 2023

  Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, I rise today to recognize Dr. 
Lawrence ``Larry'' T. Geraty and his esteemed wife, Gillian, for their 
unwavering commitment to Seventh-Day Adventist higher education. Their 
dedication has fostered growth and allowed the communities they have 
touched not only in California's 39th Congressional District, but 
across the globe, to flourish.
  Larry and Gillian epitomize the essence of servant-leadership, 
serving as beacons of inspiration for all of us who aspire to elevate 
the quality, impact, reach, and visibility of our educational 
institutions. Their unwavering efforts have left an indelible mark on 
our schools, by raising the bar for education and cultivating an 
environment where students can genuinely flourish.
  Larry and Gillian met while abroad in Beirut, Lebanon, where their 
families served in missionaries, and have been inseparable ever since. 
After returning to the States and marrying, Gillian advocated for and 
established the first Kindergarten program at Andrews University in 
Boston, Massachusetts, while Larry joined the faculty and founded the 
university's Institute of Archaeology.
  In 1993, Larry and Gillian relocated to Riverside, California, when 
Larry assumed the presidency of La Sierra University. Under his 
leadership, La Sierra University remained true to its commitment to 
authenticity, embracing diversity among its student body, faculty, and 
staff, and resulting in its recognition as the most diverse campus in 
the United States. Larry tirelessly worked to enhance the university's 
visibility in the community, ensuring support for its developmental 
endeavors. These initiatives transformed the campus and its 
surroundings, establishing a substantial funding

[[Page E958]]

source for La Sierra. Larry served as president until 2007 when he 
transitioned into retirement--and a fundraising role for the 
university's Office of Advancement.
  I'd like to honor this remarkable couple on receiving the Tom and Vi 
Zapara School of Business Lifetime Achievement Award, a recognition 
they truly deserve. Larry and Gillian's efforts have not only touched 
the lives of countless students, but have also shaped the trajectory of 
our educational institutions. May their journey inspire generations to 
come, and may their legacy continue to shape the future of education 
for all.

                          ____________________