[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 168 (Friday, October 13, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E974-E975]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    RECOGNIZING RETIRED U.S. ARMY COLONEL AND PRESIDENT EMERITUS OF 
  LACKAWANNA COLLEGE MARK VOLK'S LIFELONG DEVOTION TO SELFLESS SERVICE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MATT CARTWRIGHT

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 13, 2023

  Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, today I recognize the 
distinguished career of Retired U.S. Army Colonel and President 
Emeritus of Lackawanna College Mark Volk, a true hero of Northeast 
Pennsylvania, who has dedicated over four decades of his life to 
selfless service. While Colonel Volk's military career is marked with 
honor and valor, it is his profound contributions to Lackawanna College 
that I wish to recognize upon his well-deserved retirement.
  Colonel Volk's military journey spans 26 years, a testament to his 
unwavering commitment to duty and service. His military career included 
13 years in Field Artillery and an additional 13 years in Military 
Intelligence. During this time, Colonel Volk held various staff and 
command positions, both in the United States and Germany, gaining 
expertise and honing his leadership skills.
  While serving as the Chief of the Strategic Leadership Division in 
the Army Strategy, Plans and Policy Directorate (G3) at the Pentagon, 
his office was in the wing impacted by the plane during the tragic 
events of September 11, 2001. For his heroic efforts and life-saving 
actions immediately following the attack on the Pentagon, he was 
awarded the Soldier's Medal, the Army's highest non-combat award for 
heroism. Additional military awards earned by Colonel Volk include the 
Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal with 5 Oak Leaf 
Clusters, the Army Commendation Medal with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters, the 
Army Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Armed 
Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Armed Forces Service Medal and the NATO 
Medal.
  Upon his retirement from the military on January 1, 2004, Colonel 
Volk returned to NEPA and embarked on another chapter of service, this 
time in the field of education at Lackawanna College. Over the course 
of 16 remarkable years his tenure was distinguished by remarkable 
achievements, serving as the executive vice president from 2006 to 2012 
and vice president for operations and plans from 2005 to 2006 prior to 
taking over as president in July 2012 until his retirement in 2020. 
Under his leadership, the college introduced online courses and 
degrees, offered baccalaureate degrees, established a nursing program 
and expanded with new extension centers. It is a testament to his 
dedication and leadership that the college was ranked as the fastest-
growing private college or university, with enrollments of 500 or more 
students during his presidency.
  Perhaps his most enduring legacy is his belief in the potential of 
individuals from all walks of life. In his eyes, greatness is not 
reserved for the few: He firmly believes that everyone has the capacity 
to be a force for positive change in a world that yearns for it. His 
optimism is contagious, and his unwavering faith in the region, 
families, and students of NEPA hag left an indelible mark.

[[Page E975]]

  Colonel Mark Volk, and his wife Lynn, continue to be active and 
generous members of our community, giving their time and energy to 
numerous organizations. Their dedication to service has set a shining 
example for us all. I commend Colonel Volk for his unwavering 
commitment to our community and our Nation; he truly represents the 
very best of Pennsylvania's 8th Congressional District.

                          ____________________