[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 105 (Tuesday, June 23, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E606-E607]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF HERBERT L. SALBERG, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BILL FOSTER

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 23, 2026

  Mr. FOSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate the life 
and legacy of Herbert L. Salberg, Jr., an educator, coach, athletic 
administrator, and public servant whose dedication to students and 
athletics strengthened the College of DuPage community and inspired 
generations across northern Illinois and beyond.
  Herbert L. Salberg Jr., was born on August 7, 1936, in Cook County, 
Illinois. An avid athlete and sports enthusiast from an early age, he 
devoted his life to teaching, coaching, and mentoring young people. 
After earning his bachelor's degree in physical education from Northern 
Illinois University, he returned to his

[[Page E607]]

alma mater, J. Sterling Morton High School in Cicero, Illinois, where 
he taught physical education and coached football and baseball.
  In 1967, Mr. Salberg became a member of the founding faculty of the 
College of DuPage. During his 25-year career at the College, he served 
as a professor, coach, athletic director, associate dean of Natural 
Science, and educational leader. As head coach of the Chaparrals men's 
ice hockey program, he compiled an outstanding 237-83-9 record and led 
the team to National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) 
national championships in 1980, 1988, and 1990. Under his leadership, 
the program earned numerous state titles and established itself as one 
of the premier junior college hockey programs in the Nation.
  Beyond hockey, Mr. Salberg coached the College's golf teams to 
multiple conference and regional titles, served in leadership roles 
within the NJCAA, and helped advance the College's athletic programs. 
As director of athletics from 1979 to 1992, he spearheaded the 
development of the College's modern athletic facility, a $10.1 million 
project that remains in use today. In recognition of his influence on 
the sport, he became widely known as the ``godfather of junior ice 
hockey.''
  Following his retirement in 1992, Mr. Salberg continued his lifelong 
commitment to leadership and service. After relocating to West 
Melbourne, Florida, he served on the City Council and worked as a 
performance enhancement coach for Morton International. A man of deep 
faith, he spent the final years of his life leading a weekly Christian 
men's group at his local church before his passing in 2007.
  In recognition of his extraordinary contributions, the College of 
DuPage is posthumously honoring Mr. Salberg as a member of its Class of 
2026 Athletic Hall of Fame. His legacy lives on through the students, 
athletes, coaches, and community members whose lives he touched through 
his leadership, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to helping others 
succeed.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the 
remarkable life and legacy of Herbert L. Salberg, Jr., and in 
celebrating his well-deserved induction into the College of DuPage 
Athletic Hall of Fame.

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