[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 6] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages 8377-8378] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]TRIBUTE TO MIDAMERICA NAZARENE UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT RICHARD SPINDLE ______ HON. DENNIS MOORE of kansas in the house of representatives Thursday, April 28, 2005 Mr. MOORE of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a distinguished leader in the fields of higher education and community service who soon will be stepping down after 15 years of valuable service as president of MidAmerica Nazarene University, which is located in the Third Congressional District. Dr. Richard Spindle is a visionary leader who oversaw significant expansion of MidAmerica Nazarene University during his tenure as president, including a major enrollment increase, construction of two new dormitories, the Cook Center and the Bell Family Arena. Founded in 1966, MidAmerica Nazarene University is a private, liberal arts university offering undergraduate and selected professional and graduate degrees. Since the initial semester of operation, enrollment has increased dramatically and now totals approximately 1,400. A Christian community in the Wesleyan-Holiness tradition, MidAmerica Nazarene University seeks to transform the individual through intellectual, spiritual and personal development for a life of service to God, the church, the Nation and the world. During the past 2 years, I have been privileged to work with Dr. Spindle in a successful effort to obtain federal funding for MidAmerica Nazarene's criminal justice instruction program. He has been a major force for positive change and advancement in the Olathe community and throughout the Kansas City metropolitan area. I join with many of our neighbors in wishing Richard and Billy Spindle all the best as they prepare to move to Brazil in August in order to consult with Brazilian Nazarene College. Mr. Speaker, I am placing in the Record a recent news article from the Olathe News, which details a celebration that was held in Dr. Spindle's honor at MidAmerica Nazarene, highlighting many of the personal qualities which made him a popular and effective administrator. I commend him to you, Mr. Speaker, and to our colleagues in the House of Representatives. [From the Olathe News, Apr. 24, 2005] Spindle Preps for His `Transition' (By Arley Hoskin) Leaders don't retire, they transition. And that's the way MidAmerica Nazarene University president Richard Spindle views his departure in May. The community gathered Thursday at the university's Cook Center to celebrate Spindle's transition. As leaders in the community spoke of Spindle during the gathering, it became clear that Spindle had both their respect and admiration. ``We've been fortunate here to have a leader like Dr. Spindle,'' Olathe Mayor Michael Copeland said. In Spindle's honor, Copeland deemed the day ``Richard Spindle celebration day.'' MNU experienced extraordinary growth during Spindle's 15 years as president. But the focus of the evening was not on MNU's all-time high enrollment, the development of Cook Center, the ground breaking for the new dormitory or the plans for a new cultural arts center. When people spoke of Spindle, they spoke not just of a man with many accomplishments, they spoke of a friend. ``Some people you feel good about and relate to,'' said Ron Wimmer, Olathe school district superintendent. Spindle was that kind of man, Wimmer said, and he also brought credibility to the university. Many of the school districts new employees graduate from MNU, but Spindle contributed more to the community than a pool of employees. Wimmer enjoyed his presence at the Olathe Chamber of Commerce meetings and Spindle is someone whom Wimmer considers a friend. Wimmer is not alone. A video shown during the celebration was filled with accolades from faculty, staff and alum. Spindle is the kind of leader who knows students by their first names, MNU alum Bryan Beaver said. Others agreed. ``I really did not expect to be able to call the president a friend. I feel like I can say that,'' said Allison Bartholomew a 2002 graduate. Students were not the only ones who noticed Spindle's caring personality. A person's handshake says a lot and Spindle's spoke of confidence and care. Frank Devocelle, CEO of Olathe Medical Center recalled the first time that Spindle shook his hand. Both men extended their right hands, and Spindle reached out and cupped Devocelle's hand with his left hand. ``It left (me) with a feeling of warmth, a feeling of caring and a feeling of concern for others,'' Devocelle said. Spindle was known for his concern for others. ``He was a role model of servant leadership,'' said MNU chaplain Randy Beckum. ``Not by power, (but) by integrity.'' [[Page 8378]] Spindle took pride in beautifying the campus--he not only helped developed plans for campus renovations, but participated in some of those ventures. Alumni president Jill Kenney remembers planting trees along Mur-Len Road with Spindle and his wife, Billy. It was cold and the trees were puny she said, but the Spindle's had a vision. The trees were just part of the Spindle's vision. Spindle developed a 100-year plan during his time as president and he was able to see the two new dorms, and the Cook Center and Bell Family Arena built. More importantly he saw the lives of students change. ``These 25 years have been filled with joyous opportunities,'' Spindle said. The students were always his main concern, said academic dean Frank Moore. He was the same man inside the office as he was outside, Moore added. Billy, who shared her husband's passion for students, was also honored at the celebration. Billy served on the women's auxiliary and generated more than $150,000 worth of scholarships through the sale of birthday cakes and the MNU country store, now MNU mercantile and diner. Billy also is known for leading by example. ``She is a part of everything, heart and soul,'' said Kathy Smith, who served with Billy on the women's auxiliary. The Spindles plan to move to Brazil in August where Richard Spindle will serve as a consultant for Brazilian Nazarene College. ____________________