[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 201 (Wednesday, December 6, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1185-E1186]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING THE EXTRAORDINARY LIFE OF SERVICE OF KATHLEEN M. WILBUR

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ELISSA SLOTKIN

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 6, 2023

  Ms. SLOTKIN. Mr Speaker, today I pay tribute to a remarkable woman 
who dedicated her professional career to making the state of Michigan, 
its government, its institutions, and its character stronger and 
better. Kathy Wilbur was a fierce advocate and a devoted public servant 
in both government and higher education, and brought her two passions 
together in the role she held for the past five years at her alma 
mater, Michigan State University. I was fortunate enough to call her my 
friend, and as her sudden passing leaves a deep hole of grief for so 
many, it is fitting that we pause to reflect on all she gave to our 
state.
  Kathy began her career in the Michigan Legislature, where she served 
as chief of staff to former Senator Bill Sederburg. From the start, she 
was known for her prowess in communications and policy issues, and she 
went on to serve in the administration of former Michigan Governor John 
Engler, heading up three different departments during her tenure--the 
only woman in Michigan history to do so. In the early 2000s, she began 
the next chapter of her career with our state's public universities, 
first at Central Michigan University where she served as interim 
president, vice president of advancement and external relations, and 
vice president for government relations.

[[Page E1186]]

  But of the many titles Kathy held over her decades-long career, one 
the closest to her heart was Spartan. Kathy was a super-alumna, holding 
not one, not two, but three degrees from MSU: a bachelor's degree in 
Journalism, a master's degree in higher education administration, and a 
Ph.D in the same, and even served one term on the university's Board of 
Trustees. In 2018, she joined Michigan State University's staff, where 
she served as senior vice president for government relations. Under her 
tenure, the university secured funding and support for landmark 
projects, including the Engineering and Digital Innovation Center, the 
MSU greenhouses, and the MSU Apple Academy. Her steady hand helped 
guide the university through good times and bad, driven by an 
unshakable faith in the power of higher education, clothed in green and 
white.
  Over the years, Kathy was a mentor to so many, and I personally 
benefited from her knowledge and her wisdom. Her door was always open, 
her invitation to coffee sincere, her cup of kindness bottomless. She 
graciously shared her experience with all, and was truly invested in 
seeing others succeed. From Kathy, I learned what it means to advocate, 
and the power of active listening. Her life was a testament to the 
power of getting things done, and the role one person can play to make 
positive change. I send my deepest condolences to all who knew and 
loved Kathy, particularly her husband, Tom, their four sons, Tom, Will, 
Sam, and Ray; her granddaughter, Mary; and the entire Michigan State 
University family. Kathy Wilbur's accomplishments, her passion, and her 
compassion will live on in our hearts and on the banks of the Red Cedar 
in East Lansing.

                          ____________________