[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 75 (Wednesday, April 29, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E387]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
CELEBRATING DR. FRANK J. CALZONETTI'S RETIREMENT
______
HON. MARCY KAPTUR
of ohio
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the retirement of
a truly extraordinary human being, public servant, and scholar, Dr.
Frank J. Calzonetti.
For decades, Frank has embodied the very best of what a university
scholar and leader for our community and region can be. A patient,
ingenious, and creative force for regional strength and national
progress, he has built our community's resilience forward every step of
the way--educationally and economically.
For 25 years at The University of Toledo, a quarter century, his
leadership has transformed scientific research into real-world impact.
He has advanced energy and engineering innovation, strengthened
workforce development, created new age jobs in energy, advanced
manufacturing, fresh water systems, and guided Northwest Ohio toward a
more secure and prosperous future.
Even in his last months on the job, he helped deliver a $19.2 million
federal award from the Department of Energy for nuclear workforce
development, workplace safety, and advanced nuclear energy education.
He told me this was the largest award in University of Toledo's
history. His collaboration allowed a true team effort with over 20
organizations involved to bring home this major federal award. It would
not have been possible with Frank's leadership and perseverance. Bravo.
Dr. Calzonetti has always understood that great educational
institutions do not stand apart from their communities--they stand
within them. His efforts to advance us all and lift our communities up
to new horizons, including establishing relationships with our Nation's
most advanced federal research facility.
Whether it was working together to advance clean energy initiatives,
responding to crises like the Toledo water emergency, or helping
position the University as a national research leader, Frank's historic
work has left an enduring imprint that will never be forgotten, and
exists to build forward.
What a privilege it has been to work alongside Frank, including on
recent historic federal investments to shape the next generation of
American energy and power leadership, to seize cutting-edge research to
secure our region, to save, and change lives for the better. Whether is
it photovoltaics or clean, nuclear advancements, Frank stands tall. His
steady vision never lost edge.
Frank's life and career has been one of purpose, integrity, and
lasting contribution. He has served our University, our State, and our
Nation with distinction.
On behalf of a grateful Northwest Ohio region, and Americans from
coast to coast, I want to thank him and congratulate him on a
remarkable journey. His personable demeanor and acute intellect
translates into progress at every threshold. I thank Dr. Frank J.
Calzonetti for his immeasurable contributions to The University of
Toledo and Beyond.
All of us are honored by his friendship and partnership in all these
path-breaking efforts.
Bravo. Onward.
____________________