[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 11] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page 16554] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]A TRIBUTE TO DR. JUDSON HARPER ______ HON. BOB SCHAFFER of colorado in the house of representatives Tuesday, July 25, 2000 Mr. SCHAFFER. Mr. Speaker, today, on the eve of his impending retirement, I honor Dr. Judson M. Harper, Vice President for Research and Information Technology and Professor of Chemical and Bioresearch Engineering, at Colorado State University (CSU), located in Ft. Collins, Colorado. During his tenure at the University, Dr. Harper has been instrumental in positioning CSU as a world-class leader for research in the fields of animal sciences, information technology, natural resources management, atmospheric sciences, and agriculture. In 1993, Dr. Harper orchestrated the construction of the Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology Lab, located on the campus of CSU. With the acquisition of this nationally-renowned research facility, CSU became the first in the nation to develop artificial insemination procedures for livestock. Other accomplishments associated with the lab include pioneering efforts in gene splicing and cloning. Research projects from the Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology Lab have also ensured the United States' livestock production industry remains competitive internationally. Dr. Harper is also primarily responsible for establishing the Center for Geosciences at CSU. The Center, in partnership with the Department of Defense, is entering into a fourth phase of research projects to develop more sophisticated equipment and technology to better understand weather dynamics as it relates to military activities. Dr. Harper has not only provided leadership in the scientific arena, but as the interim president in 1887, when Dr. Albert Yates, current CSU President, was away on sabbatical. Dr. Harper also directed the University through perhaps its darkest period. The flood of 1997, one of the worst weather disasters in the history of the state, claimed five lives, destroyed 2000 homes, and damaged 212 businesses, resulting in a $200 million loss. Thirty buildings on the CSU campus sustained damage and nearly 200 faculty, staff, and students were displaced. Many books were ruined, and tragically, many faculty lost much of their life's work. Disaster officials were extremely impressed with CSU's rapid recovery, many attributing the credit to Dr. Harper. An active administrator and respected researcher, Dr. Harper is recognized internationally as an expert in the area of food extrusion, a process by which food ingredients are heated and fashioned in an effort to achieve desired shapes and textures. Food extrusion is energy efficient, cost effective, and has become a central part of many modern food processing operations. His accomplishments in this area include 77 journal publications, two books, and 10 separate chapters in other works. In addition, he is also the co-holder of five U.S. patents. Mr. Speaker, I have had the good fortune to work with Dr. Harper for many years and on many projects during my service as a Colorado State Senator and a United States Congressman. I regard him as a friend, an honorable public servant, a scholar, and one of the most decent human beings I've ever met. Dr. Harper's devotion to Colorado State University and the people of Colorado has been the basis for the profound legacy he has established. Future generations may one day become unfamiliar with the name of Jud Harper, but all will be touched just the same by his exemplary work and his superior intellect. There are many reasons Colorado State University has risen to the top of higher education achievement. Dr. Jud Harper is among the most significant leaders who have positioned the institution in a place of such world-class prestige. Mr. Speaker, Dr. Jud Harper is leaving behind a tremendous legacy as he moves on from Colorado State University to the next phase of his life. He will truly be missed. ____________________