[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 62 (Monday, April 7, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E292-E293]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING THE LEGACY OF WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT DR. KIRK
SCHULZ
______
HON. DAN NEWHOUSE
of washington
in the house of representatives
Monday, April 7, 2025
Mr. NEWHOUSE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, along with my colleagues
from Washington state, Representatives Suzan DelBene, Rick Larsen,
Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, Michael Baumgartner, Emily Randall, Pramila
Jayapal, Kim Schrier, Adam Smith, and Marilyn Strickland, to recognize
and commend the distinguished tenure of Dr. Kirk Schulz as President of
Washington State University (WSU). Since 2016, President Schulz has
guided WSU through a period of immense growth, advancing research,
student success, and statewide partnerships. As he prepares for
retirement, we honor his leadership and dedication to higher education
in Washington State.
Under President Schulz's tenure, WSU has strengthened its reputation
as a world-class research institution, addressing critical challenges
in agriculture, medicine, and clean energy. His efforts have ensured
that students across our state have access to high-quality education,
and his work with Washington's congressional delegation has helped
secure funding for key university initiatives.
Each of Washington's ten congressional districts has benefited from
President Schulz's leadership, reinforcing WSU's role as an institution
that serves all Washingtonians. I would like to highlight a few key
impacts across the state.
1st District: WSU has built strong partnerships with the region's
tech industry, working with companies in King and Snohomish counties to
prepare students for careers in artificial intelligence, software
development, and semiconductor manufacturing. These efforts ensure
Washington remains at the forefront of technological advancement.
2nd District: WSU's agricultural extension programs in Northwest
Washington have played a vital role in supporting farmers and
sustaining fisheries in the region. WSU's Everett campus provides
entrepreneurs critical business management skills and trains engineers
for the world-class aerospace and high-tech industries in Northwest
Washington.
3rd District: WSU Vancouver has expanded opportunities in STEM
education, creating new pathways for students to enter high-demand
fields like engineering and healthcare. By connecting with local
industries and healthcare providers, WSU is strengthening Southwest
Washington's workforce and economic outlook.
4th District: Home to some of the Nation's premier vineyards, Central
Washington has benefited from WSU's viticulture and enology programs.
Through cutting-edge research and collaboration with winemakers, WSU
has
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helped the region maintain its reputation as a world-class wine
producer.
5th District: WSU's Pullman campus is a cornerstone of agricultural
research, and the completion of the Agricultural Research Service (ARS)
building has only strengthened that legacy. The facility provides
farmers and food producers with critical innovations in crop science
and food security, supporting one of Washington's most essential
industries.
6th District: WSU researchers have been at the forefront of
sustainable forestry and climate resilience efforts. Their work
supports the health of Washington's forests, which are vital for the
economy, outdoor recreation, and the environment, ensuring these
natural resources are protected for future generations.
7th District: WSU's collaborations with Seattle-area institutions
have led to major advancements in medical research, including
breakthroughs in cancer treatment and biomedical engineering. These
efforts not only push the boundaries of science but also create
opportunities for students to engage in life-changing research.
8th District: With a focus on clean energy, WSU has led the way in
developing innovative hydroelectric, wind, and solar power solutions.
These advancements have benefited communities across the Cascades,
helping Washington transition to a more sustainable energy future.
9th District: The Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine has provided new
opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds to enter the
medical profession. By expanding access to healthcare education, WSU is
addressing physician shortages and improving healthcare access across
Washington.
10th District: Military families near Joint Base Lewis-McChord have
benefited from WSU's extension programs, which provide educational
support and workforce development opportunities. These initiatives
ensure that service members and their families have access to the
resources they need to succeed.
Mr. Speaker, as President Schulz concludes his tenure, we recognize
his transformative impact on Washington State University and our
communities. His leadership has strengthened WSU's role as a center of
innovation, education, and economic opportunity.
I thank President Schulz for his years of service, and I look forward
to seeing how WSU continues to grow and thrive in the years to come.
____________________