[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 76 (Thursday, May 2, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E440]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING REBECCA ROLOFF

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 2, 2024

  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the distinguished career 
of President ReBecca (Becky) Koenig Roloff on the occasion of her 
retirement from St. Catherine University in Saint Paul, Minnesota. 
Since 2016, President Roloff has served as the 11th president of the 
university, which is affectionately known as St. Kate's by students and 
alumni, which includes both her and me.
  During her eight years of distinguished leadership at St. Kate's, one 
of the nation's largest private women's universities, President Roloff 
has made a lasting impact by reaffirming the university's accreditation 
through the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association 
of Colleges and Schools. She combined the Minneapolis and Saint Paul 
campuses into one unified campus in Saint Paul and completed numerous 
infrastructure improvements across campus. In 2022, it was a privilege 
to partner with her and the university to provide critical federal 
funding for technology and equipment upgrades for Mendel Hall to 
enhance student learning and research opportunities for women 
undergraduate students in STEM fields. She also successfully recruited 
a diverse senior leadership team and led the development of a new 10-
year strategic plan that has grown enrollment and strengthened its 
financial position.
  Prior to returning to her alma mater as president, Roloff 
distinguished herself in the business world as a senior vice president 
at American Express Financial Advisors, held leadership positions at 
Pillsbury Company, and was a grain merchant for Cargill. She has served 
on the boards of C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc., the Minneapolis 
Downtown Council Executive Committee, and Allina Health.
  The commitment to social justice and community service that was 
instilled in Becky as a student at St. Kate's led her to serve in 
leadership of an organization with a social mission, becoming Chief 
Executive Officer of the Minneapolis YWCA from 2005 to 2016. During 
this time, the organization became the largest non-profit provider of 
high-quality, nationally accredited early childhood education in 
Minnesota. Upon the conclusion of her tenure, the board chair wrote: 
''YWCA Minneapolis is tremendously grateful to Becky for her leadership 
over the last 11 years. She leaves a legacy of community impact, and a 
resilient, strong organization.''
  In addition to earning her bachelor's degree from St. Kate's, where 
she graduated cum laude in 1976, Becky went on to earn a Master of 
Business Administration from Harvard Business School in 1982. 
Throughout her academic life and career, Becky has exemplified the St. 
Kate's values of liberal arts education and its emphasis on 
intellectual curiosity and social justice. while working to empower 
women and make a difference in the world. As an alumna and as a Member 
of Congress, I celebrate her impressive career and wish to express my 
gratitude to Becky for her immeasurable contributions to St. Kate's.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in this well-deserved tribute to Ms. 
ReBecca Koenig Roloff, the 11th President of St. Catherine University 
in Saint Paul, Minnesota.

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