[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 148 (2002), Part 15]
[Senate]
[Page 20914]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO SENATOR CRAIG THOMAS

 Mr. ENZI. Mr. President, I rise today to congratulate my 
friend and colleague, Senator Craig Thomas, who this weekend will be 
honored with the Distinguished Alumni Award from his alma mater, the 
University of Wyoming. I know how much Craig loves the Cowboys and the 
University, so this is a special honor indeed, and one all of us are 
proud that he has achieved. Senator Thomas graduated from the UW in 
1954 with a Bachelors degree in Agriculture.
  As a student from Wapiti, WY, Senator Thomas wanted to pursue a 
career as a veterinarian, but his 4-H experience steered him toward 
animal production. Aside from his studies, he also took an interest in 
wrestling, and as I understand it he was even good enough to earn a 
wrestling scholarship. If you ask him, he will tell you that his 
participation on the UW wrestling team was one of the biggest 
influences during his college career and that it taught him discipline 
and sportsmanship. There's no doubt it gave him a strong will to 
succeed.
  Ultimately, it was those special years as a University of Wyoming 
Cowboy, or Pokes as we call them, that helped shape the life of the man 
who has served three terms in the U.S. House of Representatives and is 
now in his second term in the U.S. Senate. Despite his busy schedule, 
Craig continues to give his time and energy to the university, serving 
several terms on the College of Agriculture's Advisory Board and 
earning an Outstanding Alumni Award in 1995.
  This is not the first time my friend has been recognized for his 
dedication to community and learning. After serving two years as 
president of the Wyoming State 4-H Foundation, and serving on its board 
for 10 years, Craig was inducted in April into the National 4-H Hall of 
Fame. This past August, he took first place at the State Fair during an 
honorary 4-H steer showmanship class, and he always is a welcome face 
for 4-H participants who come to Washington, DC, for the national 
trips. These awards are a testament to his deep roots and the 
connection he still has to our great state and the people who make it 
work.
  I believe the University of Wyoming selected an exemplary recipient 
for this award and I know he is both humbled and proud for the 
recognition. Craig is being honored not only because of what he did at 
UW, but for what he continues to do, he is a forceful advocate for the 
University here in Washington. The benefits of his labor on their 
behalf can be seen everywhere around campus.
  Let me again say congratulations to my colleague and also to the 
University for recognizing someone so deserving of the distinguished 
Alumni Award. Craig, your hard work and dedication to the University of 
Wyoming have not gone unnoticed. Your on-going legacy will continue to 
be felt by many students and graduates to come.

                          ____________________