[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 12]
[Senate]
[Page 16752]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                     A TRIBUTE TO HEIDI KIRK DUFFY

 Mr. REED. Mr. President, I rise today to congratulate Heidi 
Kirk Duffy upon her receipt of the Order of Merit of the Federal 
Republic of Germany, First Class.
  Heidi was selected to receive the Order of Merit to recognize her 
``outstanding contribution to the development of academic and economic 
interchanges between universities and companies of the United States 
and the Federal Republic of Germany.'' The Order of Merit will be 
bestowed upon Heidi in particular recognition of her commitment to the 
cultivation of a strong relationship between the University of Rhode 
Island's International Engineering Program and the Federal Republic of 
Germany.
  A native of the Dusseldorf area, Heidi is currently the Chair of the 
Advisory Board of the University of Rhode Island's International 
Engineering Program. At the conclusion of this five-year program, 
graduates receive two degrees, one in English and the other in German. 
Recently, the University of Rhode Island has also added degrees in 
Spanish and French. This International Engineering Program is 
considered to be one of the most unique programs of its kind in 
American higher education.
  Under her direction, the University of Rhode Island's Engineering 
Program provides both German and American students a global education. 
Due to Heidi's dedication and hard work, the Program has been truly 
successful in strengthening a transatlantic relationship between the 
United States and the Federal Republic of Germany.
  Heidi was notified earlier this year by the Consul General of the 
Federal Republic of Germany, Dr. P.C. Hauswedell, that she had been 
selected to receive the Order of Merit. The Verdienstkreuz 1. Klasse 
des Verdlenstordens der Bundesrepublik Deutschland, as it is known in 
German, is one of the highest honors give to civilians by the Federal 
Republic. She will receive the Order of Merit on Friday, August 4th at 
ceremonies in her honor in the Rhode Island Capital.
  I congratulate Heidi for her accomplishments and wish her luck as she 
continues in her endeavors.

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