[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 126 (Wednesday, July 23, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E713]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




CONGRATULATING LORAS COLLEGE PRESIDENT, JAMES COLLINS ON HIS RETIREMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DARIN LaHOOD

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 23, 2025

  Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize James Collins for 
his extraordinary twenty-year tenure as President of Loras College. As 
the longest-serving president in Loras college's 185-year history, 
Collins has left an indelible mark on Iowa's oldest institution of 
higher education.
  Collins earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from Loras 
College in 1984. After graduation, what began as a brief visit to his 
alma mater evolved into a lifelong career of service. Starting as an 
admissions representative in 1984, he advanced through various 
leadership positions before being selected as President in 2004 at age 
42, making him the youngest president in the school's history.
  During Collins' tenure at Loras College, the institution achieved 
unprecedented success. He oversaw the most successful, comprehensive 
campaign in history, increasing the endowment by 67 percent, and under 
his leadership, the college completed major capital improvements, 
including the construction of the Lillis Athletic & Wellness Center, 
renovation of Rock Bowl Stadium and Keane Hall, and the construction of 
the Tucker Tennis Complex. Collins also expanded graduate and 
professional programs, achieved ABET accreditation for engineering 
programs, and led the college to consistent recognition by U.S. News as 
a top fifteen Midwest baccalaureate institution.
  President Collins' visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to 
Catholic higher education has strengthened the Loras College mission 
and impacted thousands of students. His dedication to academic 
excellence, innovative partnerships, and community service have 
advanced the institution's legacy and I want to congratulate Jim on his 
remarkable career, thank him for his decades of service to Loras 
College, and wish him all the best in this well-deserved retirement.

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