[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 144 (Wednesday, September 3, 2025)]
[House]
[Page H3767]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF DR. JOSEPH CASTRO

  (Mr. Costa of California was recognized to address the House for 5 
minutes.)
  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to honor the life and the 
legacy of Dr. Joseph Castro, an exceptional leader who broke the glass 
ceiling as the first Latino to lead the California State University 
System, the largest university system in the Nation with 23 State 
campuses and over 500,000 students.
  A grandson of immigrants, his story is the American story. He was 
raised by a single mother in Hanford, California. He was the first in 
his family to graduate from college. He never forgot the struggles his 
family faced, and he carried those lessons with him throughout his life 
as a role model. His journey reflected the hopes and the dreams of so 
many families in our valley and throughout our Nation who work hard 
every day to achieve a better life.
  That is why Joe made it his mission to open doors for others. From 
his time as a professor to his service as president of Fresno State, 
and ultimately as chancellor to the university system, he dedicated his 
career to lift up students who, like him, came from very humble 
beginnings. That was Joe. That is who he was. That is why we honor him.

  He believed that every young person deserved a chance to succeed no 
matter what their background may be.
  I had the privilege of working with Joe on a wide range of 
initiatives from protecting our Dreamers and ensuring that they have a 
chance to achieve their full potential, to expanding global 
opportunities for students at Fresno State through new study abroad 
partnerships with the University of the Azores and the Punjab 
Agricultural University.
  This was just Joe. He would always reach out not only throughout our 
valley but throughout California.
  These efforts didn't just expand educational pathways, but they built 
bridges between our valley and the world. Joe understood that educating 
our children provided a foundation for future success. It is not rocket 
science. When our young people in this country get a complete 
education, a university education, they succeed. When they succeed as 
part of America's future, America succeeds.
  That is why he dedicated his life to education. To me, Joe was more 
than just a colleague. He was a dear friend. I will remember him not 
only for his many accomplishments but for his kindness, his generosity, 
and that big heart that Joe had. He was a true son of the valley who 
never forgot where he came from and never stopped giving back. His 
legacy lives on for thousands and thousands of students whose lives he 
changed in higher education.
  My thoughts and prayers go to Joe's wife, Mary, a true partner--they 
achieved so much together--to his kids, Isaac and Lauren and Jess, as 
well as the countless people whose lives Joe touched. It was really 
remarkable. He left a mark on all of us that will never ever fade and 
that we should carry on in turn.
  I was honored to call him my friend, and I will miss him, like so 
many, deeply. He always challenged us at Fresno State to be bold. For 
me, Joe, my friend, I will always think of him as chancellor emeritus. 
Go Fresno State Bulldogs. God bless Joe.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank him for his service to a grateful nation. We 
will always remember.

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