[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 15]
[House]
[Page 21141]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING THE LIFE OF MICHAEL J. ADANTI

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentlewoman from Connecticut (Ms. DeLauro) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is with the heaviest of hearts that I 
rise today to join family, friends, colleagues, and community members 
in remembering the remarkable life of Michael J. Adanti, who was taken 
from us in a tragic car accident this summer.
  Mike was not only an outstanding member of our community, but a dear 
friend whose strength, support, warmth, and kind heart I will miss.
  Throughout his life, Mike demonstrated a unique commitment to public 
service. A teacher, administrator, mayor, and university president, 
Mike dedicated a lifetime to enriching the lives of others. After 
graduating from Southern Connecticut State University, Mike took a 
position with the Ansonia School District where he taught for 3 years, 
helping to provide our youngest children with the educational 
foundation they would need for future success.
  He went on to serve two successful terms as the mayor of the City of 
Ansonia before returning to Southern Connecticut State University as 
the first Dean of Personnel Administration, the beginning of what would 
be an extraordinary professional career at Southern.
  Throughout his long association with Southern, Mike held a number of 
positions which gave him a unique perspective of the university's 
operation. After being called upon twice to temporarily lead the 
university through difficult times, it was no surprise when Mike was 
appointed president of the university, a position which he held for 19 
years until his retirement just 2 years ago.
  Mike was the longest serving president in the Connecticut State 
University System. His inauguration as president was a unique event for 
the Southern community, as he became the first Southern Connecticut 
State University graduate to be named president of his alma mater, and 
the first graduate to become president of any university.
  Southern flourished under Mike's direction, with new academic 
initiatives, prestigious awards for faculty and students, and national 
honors for Southern's sports teams. His vision and leadership brought 
the university increasing regional recognition for excellence in public 
higher education, leaving an indelible mark not only on the university, 
but on the surrounding communities of Greater New Haven as well.
  Mike was as much a community leader as he was a leader in education. 
The New Haven Symphony Orchestra, New Haven's Long Wharf Theater, and 
the International Festival of Arts and Ideas are just a few of the 
organizations that benefited from Mike's generosity and volunteer 
efforts.
  He also served as a board member of the Naugatuck Valley's Birmingham 
Utilities Water Company, the Ansonia Economic Development Commission, 
and the Connecticut Police Foundation.
  Mike was a reflection of all that a civic leader should be. His 
involvement in so many local organizations, in addition to his 
commitment to public education and his students touched the lives of 
thousands, making all of the difference in their lives.
  When someone is taken from your life so suddenly, it is often 
difficult to understand why such tragedy occurs.
  My deepest sympathies go to Mike's wife of 43 years, Linda, his two 
children Kristen and Michael, and his three grandchildren.
  Though he is no longer with us, the legacy that he has left, that of 
his commitment to opening the doors of opportunity for young people 
through education, will certainly continue to live in the hearts and 
minds of all who knew him.
  Through those special memories, Michael Adanti will continue to 
inspire excellence.

                          ____________________