[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 110 (Tuesday, July 2, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E689]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING THE LIFE OF JOSEPH L. LEVESQUE, C.M.

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. TIMOTHY M. KENNEDY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 2, 2024

  Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the remarkable life 
of Reverend Joseph L. Levesque, C.M. A faithful priest, visionary 
leader, and beloved community member. Father Levesque was a true pillar 
of our community. His unwavering commitment to service changed the 
lives of all whom he knew.
  A native of North Tarrytown, NY, Father Levesque entered the 
Congregation of the Mission after finishing high school. He completed 
his studies at Mary Immaculate Seminary in 1967 and became an ordained 
Vincentian priest. Afterwards, Father Levesque taught religious studies 
at St. John's Preparatory School, St. Joseph's Seminary, and Niagara 
University before pursuing his Doctoral Degree in theology at Catholic 
University of America.
  In 1978, Father Levesque returned to Niagara University to continue 
teaching. Here, he was named the Dean of the College of Arts and 
Sciences and the Director of the Graduate Division.
  Returning to seminary work in 1986, Father Levesque became the 
president of St. Joseph's Seminary, a school where he previously 
taught. He was later elected provincial superior of the Eastern 
Province of Congregation of the Mission in 1990 and served a full nine-
year term.
  Father Levesque began his tenure as the 25th president of Niagara 
University in 2000. Holding this role for 13 years, he became the 
fourth longest-tenured president in the University's history. Under his 
leadership, Father Levesque expanded the University's footprint and 
ensured its long-term success. He led ``The Promise of Niagara . . . 
The next 150 years'' campaign, raising a record $80 million for the 
university. These funds were used to build new state of the art 
facilities on campus and to renovate existing spaces. After Father 
Levesque stepped down from the presidency in 2013, the Niagara 
University Board of Trustees voted to confer him with the title 
President Emeritus.
  At the culmination of his academic career, Father Levesque earned 
honorary degrees from Niagara University and St. John's University, two 
of the three Vincentian institutions of higher education in the United 
States, and an honorary doctorate from Christ the King Seminary.
  Beyond academia, Father Levesque remained an active member and leader 
in the community. He served as the board chair of both St. John's 
University and Niagara University. Additionally, Father Levesque was an 
active member of the Conference of Major Superiors of Men, a leadership 
organization for religious men in the United States. Through his roles 
as President and Liaison to the National Conference of Catholic 
Bishops' Committee on the Liturgy, Father Levesque gained national 
recognition for his work with the Catholic bishops and church 
authorities in Rome.
  Today, we celebrate the enduring legacy of Father Joseph L. Levesque. 
His commitment to faith, passion for service, and unwavering leadership 
has changed our community for the better. Please join me in honoring 
Father Levesque for a lifetime of tremendous service.

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