[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 3]
[House]
[Pages 4130-4134]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING DR. I. KING JORDAN FOR HIS CONTRIBUTIONS TO GALLAUDET 
         UNIVERSITY AND THE DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING COMMUNITY

  Mr. KELLER. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the 
resolution (H. Res. 680) recognizing Dr. I. King Jordan for his 
contributions to Gallaudet University and the deaf and hard of hearing 
community.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                              H. Res. 680

       Whereas in 1988, Dr. I. King Jordan became the first deaf 
     President of Gallaudet University, and the first deaf 
     president of any institution of higher education in the 
     United States;
       Whereas Gallaudet University grants more bachelor's degrees 
     to deaf people than any other institution of higher learning 
     in the world, is the only such institution serving primarily 
     deaf and hard of hearing students, and provides 
     groundbreaking research in the field of deafness;
       Whereas deaf and hard of hearing graduates of Gallaudet 
     University serve as leaders around the globe;
       Whereas Dr. I. King Jordan graduated from Gallaudet 
     University in 1970 with a B.A. in Psychology, and received 
     both a master's degree and a doctorate in Psychology from 
     University of Tennessee by 1973;
       Whereas before his appointment as president, Dr. I. King 
     Jordan served as the Chair of the Department of Psychology 
     and Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Science at 
     Gallaudet University;
       Whereas Dr. I. King Jordan was a research fellow at 
     Donaldson's School for the Deaf in Edinburgh, Scotland, an 
     exchange scholar at Jagiellonian University in Krakow, 
     Poland, and a lecturer at schools in Paris, Toulouse, and 
     Marseille, France;
       Whereas from 1997 to 2001, Dr. I. King Jordan led the first 
     comprehensive capital campaign for Gallaudet University and 
     successfully raised nearly $40,000,000, which was used by the 
     University to strengthen academic programs, increase the 
     endowment, and construct the Student Academic Center;
       Whereas Dr. I. King Jordan established the President's 
     Fellow program to increase the number of deaf and hard of 
     hearing faculty members by providing support for deaf and 
     hard of hearing college graduates to complete their terminal 
     degree;
       Whereas in 1988, Dr. I. King Jordan proclaimed to the 
     world, ``Deaf people can do anything, except hear.'';
       Whereas Dr. I. King Jordan is a strong advocate on the 
     national and international level for deaf people and people 
     of all disabilities, and was a lead witness in support of the 
     Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) during a joint session 
     of Congress prior to the passage of ADA;
       Whereas in July 2005, Dr. I. King Jordan received the 
     George Bush Medal for the Empowerment of People with 
     Disabilities, an award established to honor those individuals 
     who perform outstanding service to encourage the spirit of 
     ADA throughout the world;
       Whereas Dr. I. King Jordan served in the Navy from 1962 to 
     1966;
       Whereas Dr. I. King Jordan has shared nearly 38 years of 
     marriage with Linda Kephart, with whom he has two children, 
     King and Heidi;
       Whereas Dr. I. King Jordan is a strong supporter of 
     physical fitness and has completed more than 200 marathons 
     and 40 100-mile marathons;
       Whereas Dr. I. King Jordan will retire as the first deaf 
     president of Gallaudet University on December 31, 2006; and
       Whereas Dr. I. King Jordan is an accomplished, respected 
     leader who devoted his life to Gallaudet University and 
     efforts to improve the quality of life for individuals who 
     are deaf or hard of hearing, and individuals with 
     disabilities: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
       (1) congratulates Dr. I. King Jordan on his retirement; and
       (2) expresses appreciation to Dr. I. King Jordan for his 
     many years of dedicated service to Gallaudet University, to 
     the deaf and hard of hearing community, and to all 
     individuals with disabilities.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Florida (Mr. Keller) and the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Kind) each 
will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Florida.


                             General Leave

  Mr. KELLER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may 
have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks on 
H. Res. 680.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Florida?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. KELLER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may 
consume.
  I rise in support of H. Res. 680, which recognizes the contributions 
of Dr. I. King Jordan to Gallaudet University and the deaf and hard of 
hearing community. Dr. Jordan retires as president of Gallaudet at the 
end of this year, and this resolution provides us the opportunity to 
acknowledge his significant achievements. I want to thank the 
resolution's author, Mr. Kind, for drawing our attention to Dr. 
Jordan's accomplishments and his status as one of America's leaders in 
the fields of higher education and disability policy.
  When Dr. Jordan was appointed president by the Gallaudet Board of 
Trustees in 1988 he became the first deaf president of the university. 
Dr. Jordan's leadership of Gallaudet has heightened awareness of the 
contributions made by the university and the issues facing the deaf and 
hard of hearing community. During his time as president, Dr. Jordan has 
been a visible spokesman for the university and for deaf and hard of 
hearing individuals, as well as a tireless advocate for people with 
disabilities.
  Dr. Jordan has been a leader in national efforts to address the needs 
of people with disabilities. In 2001 he was awarded the Presidential 
Citizen's Medal. This award, conferred by the President of the United 
States in recognition of individuals who have performed exemplary deeds 
or service for the country, acknowledged Dr. Jordan's efforts to 
promote self-determination and full integration of all people with 
disabilities.
  I want to extend my congratulations to Dr. Jordan and wish him well 
in his retirement. I know that Gallaudet University will miss his 
leadership, and I can only hope that he will continue to

[[Page 4131]]

be involved as an advocate for people with disabilities.
  I want to, again, thank Mr. Kind for bringing this resolution forward 
and providing us this opportunity to acknowledge Dr. Jordan's 
achievement.
  I ask my colleagues to support this resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. KIND. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I do want to thank the ranking member, Mr. Keller, as 
well as the chairman of the Education and the Workforce Committee, Mr. 
McKeon, for their help in bringing the resolution before us today.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor a great American, I. King Jordan, who 
has dedicated his life to helping others. On December 31, at the end of 
this year, 2006, Dr. Jordan will retire as the first deaf president of 
Gallaudet University located here in Washington, D.C., the only 
institution of higher learning in the world serving primarily deaf and 
hard of hearing students. I am pleased to author this resolution with 
my colleagues Mr. Oxley, Ms. Woolsey, Mr. LaHood, and I thank them and 
the other cosponsors of this resolution for their support.
  King Jordan's service to others began more than 4 decades ago when he 
served in the United States Navy from 1962 until 1966. He attended 
college at Gallaudet University after a car accident at the age of 21 
left him deaf. He then went on to receive a doctorate in psychology in 
1973, joined the faculty of Gallaudet University, and in 1988 he became 
its president. During his tenure at Gallaudet, Dr. Jordan raised nearly 
$40 million to grow the university endowment and to construct the 
student academic center. Also, he established the President's Fellow 
Program to provide support for deaf and hard of hearing college 
graduates to complete their advanced degrees, thus increasing the 
number of deaf and hard of hearing faculty members.
  In addition to his work in academia, President Jordan was a lead 
witness before Congress supporting the Americans with Disabilities Act; 
and he continues to advocate on both the national and international 
levels for deaf people, as well as all people with disabilities.
  In 2005, Dr. Jordan received the George H.W. Bush Medal honoring 
outstanding service under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
  Dr. Jordan is an inspiration to all Americans and his years of 
dedication to others undoubtedly deserve the recognition of this House 
of Representatives. We will miss his terrific leadership and his 
advocacy on behalf of all the students at Gallaudet University.
  I would like to congratulate Dr. Jordan and his wife, Linda Kephart, 
for their many years of dedicated service and wish them a very long and 
happy retirement.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. KELLER. Mr. Speaker, I yield as much time as he may consume to 
the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. LaHood).
  (Mr. LaHOOD asked and was given permission to revise and extend his 
remarks.)
  Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Keller and I especially thank 
Mr. Kind for introducing this. This was really Ron's idea to honor 
President Jordan; and I know that the university and the people there 
are very, very appreciative, Ron, of your thinking to honor Dr. Jordan.
  I also want to thank the chairman of the full committee, Chairman 
McKeon and his staff. I want to thank the majority leader's office. The 
truth is, ordinarily we don't do these kinds of resolutions, but 
because of the importance of the work of Dr. Jordan, the chairman of 
the full committee and the majority leader's office agreed that we 
could have this resolution brought forward.
  This resolution will be presented tonight by some of us who will be 
at a fund-raiser at Gallaudet University where some very outstanding 
Republican basketball players and some outstanding Democratic 
basketball players will be participating in a basketball game at 
Gallaudet University. And I hope that some of us, including Mr. Kind 
and Lynn and others, will have a chance to present this resolution to 
Dr. Jordan.

                              {time}  1530

  Dr. Jordan became the first deaf president of Gallaudet University in 
1988 after the students and people in the community came forward and 
said they wanted a deaf president. And at the end of the protest, the 
Gallaudet board named Dr. Jordan president.
  He is from Glen Riddle, Pennsylvania. He spent 4 years in the Navy 
after high school.
  Dr. Jordan, as was mentioned, was in a car accident when he was 21 
years old that left him deaf. He received a BA degree in psychology 
from Gallaudet in 1970. In 1971, Dr. Jordan received his MA in 
psychology from the University of Tennessee. He also received his Ph.D. 
in psychology from the University of Tennessee in 1973.
  Once he completed his education, Dr. Jordan began teaching in the 
Gallaudet Department of Psychology. He became chair of the department 
in 1983 and dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences in 1986.
  Dr. Jordan has also been a research fellow at the Donaldson's School 
for the Deaf in Edinburgh, Scotland; an exchange scholar in Krakow, 
Poland; and a visiting scholar and lecturer at schools in Paris, 
Toulouse, and Marseille, France.
  He lobbied for the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 
1990 and was a lead witness in support of the ADA during a joint 
session of Congress. President Jordan, as was mentioned, has raised 
nearly $40 million for Gallaudet between 1997 and 2001. The money has 
been used to strengthen the academic program, increase the endowment, 
and construct the Student Academic Center.
  He also established the President's Fellow Program. The program is 
designed to increase the number of deaf and hard-of-hearing faculty 
members by providing support for deaf and hard-of-hearing college 
graduates to complete their degrees.
  He has received 11 honorary degrees and numerous awards, including 
the Presidential Citizen's Medal and the Washingtonian of the Year 
Award. Dr. Jordan has also served as the chair and vice-chair of the 
President's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities. In 
July 2005, he received the George Bush Medal for the Empowerment of 
People with Disabilities.
  He will retire in December of this year, and his true partner in all 
of the work that he has been doing at Gallaudet has certainly been his 
wife, Linda. They have been married for almost 38 years.
  I have had the privilege, along with a Democratic Member of the 
House, of serving on the board of directors of Gallaudet University. I 
was first appointed by Speaker Gingrich. In my district there is a 
school for the deaf, the only school for the deaf in Illinois, in 
Jacksonville, Illinois. So many of our students come here to 
Washington, and my interest in the school for the deaf in Jacksonville 
led to my interest in Gallaudet, and I have had the privilege of 
working with Dr. Jordan during the time of my tenure on the board of 
the directors at Gallaudet University, and what a privilege that it has 
been to work with him.
  He is a true marathoner. Dr. Jordan has completed more than 200 
marathons, 26 miles for a marathon, and 40 100-mile marathons. But he 
has completed the marathon of his life by doing the job that I am sure 
he always wanted, to be president of Gallaudet University; and he has 
been an inspiration for deaf people.
  Each year I try to go to Gallaudet and visit with the students, and I 
can tell you he is an inspiration to the students there; and he is an 
inspiration, I think, to all of us and should be an inspiration to all 
Americans, that even with disabilities, you can do great things, and he 
surely has done great things.
  So I want to add my congratulations to Dr. Jordan for a job well 
done, and I know he will not fade away. I know he will continue to work 
with the disability community and work around Washington, D.C. and do 
all that he

[[Page 4132]]

can to improve those who have disabilities, particularly those who are 
hearing impaired.
  And, again, Mr. Kind, thank you for your consideration in introducing 
this resolution.
  Mr. KIND. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  I also want to extend my thanks to Mr. LaHood, who has been 
instrumental in getting this resolution here to the floor today and for 
his tireless support for all the students at Gallaudet University.
  The only thing I would add is that the Democratic team will be trying 
to defend our title on the parquet floor this evening.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman 
from California (Ms. Woolsey), one of the members of the board of 
trustees of Gallaudet University.
  Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution 
to honor Dr. I. King Jordan.
  Dr. Jordan is retiring as Gallaudet University's president at the end 
of this year, having become our Nation's first deaf university 
president where he has served since 1988, the first deaf individual to 
be the president of any higher education institution.
  Dr. Jordan is both an accomplished, respected educator and a personal 
friend. During his tenure at Gallaudet, he has been an able, caring 
leader, propelling the university forward and advocating for deaf 
students. Among his accomplishments are Gallaudet's first-ever capital 
campaign, a campaign that supported construction of the state-of-the-
art Student Academic Center on campus. He also paved the way for an 
increase in scholarships and academic programs, and he established a 
fellows program to provide support for deaf college graduates to 
complete their terminal degrees and become faculty members.
  Dr. Jordan has been a strong advocate for individuals with 
disabilities all around the world. His testimony to Congress played a 
critical role in the passage of the landmark Americans with 
Disabilities Act in 1990.
  I am proud to have had a chance to work with Dr. Jordan these past 
years, most recently as one of the three Members of Congress who sit on 
Gallaudet's board: Congressman LaHood, Senator McCain, and myself. We 
have experienced a career of accomplishments for Gallaudet's students 
under Dr. Jordan's leadership. They are a testament to his 
inspirational words, words he spoke in 1988. He said: ``Deaf people can 
do anything, except hear.''
  I wish Dr. Jordan much happiness in his retirement as he looks 
forward to traveling with his wife, Linda, spending more time with his 
family. But believe me, his compassion, his vision, and his service 
will be greatly missed.
  Mr. KELLER. Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my 
time.
  Mr. KIND. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the 
gentlewoman from the District of Columbia (Ms. Norton), the true 
representative for Gallaudet University.
  Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Wisconsin for his 
working with the chair to get this bill to the floor.
  I am not on the committee of jurisdiction; so I want to particularly 
thank the committee for the honor. It is an unusual honor. We do not do 
this very often, what you do in bringing this resolution to the floor. 
And I want to give my thanks to Mr. LaHood and Ms. Woolsey, both, for 
the service they perform by serving on the board of this very important 
institution. The fact that there are two Members of Congress on the 
board of Gallaudet perhaps speaks for itself as to the importance of 
Gallaudet, chartered by the Congress of the United States and still an 
institution of great importance to the Congress.
  I do want to say to the gentleman from Wisconsin and to those of you, 
if you are one of them, Mr. LaHood, who are going to be at the game 
this evening, I always come to this wonderful game. As it turns out, I 
am having a reception myself tonight for the National Teacher of the 
Year, the first time since the award was given. It was set up in 1952, 
that the National Teacher of the Year comes from the District of 
Columbia. So you fellows are going to have to get along without me.
  When they asked me to come, they first asked me to be a member of the 
team. They really did not know what they were saying. I did volunteer 
to come, however, to be there to do whatever I could. In fact, if this 
reception is over, I do intend to stop by and to thank you also for 
that very important work.
  As you have heard, Gallaudet is really one of a kind. It is an 
institution without peer, the only institution for people who are deaf 
and hard of hearing of higher education throughout the world. So it is 
very precious to those of us in the District of Columbia who then see 
people come from all over the world to come to this singular 
institution.
  Now, there has got to be great sadness on the campus of Gallaudet 
even as we express our appreciation today. Dr. I. King Jordan was not 
simply an extraordinary educator. He came to his post through a vote of 
confidence before he even got there from the students who had a 
demonstration; and as a result of that demonstration, the board of 
trustees at that time thought about their decision, and Dr. Jordan 
became the first disabled person to head the university.
  It is hard to overemphasize what this meant to us in the District of 
Columbia. We saw it as wonderful history-making for a history-making 
institution, but that paled besides the joy of the students. You can 
imagine if you are going to a university for the deaf and the hard of 
hearing to see a person of such accomplishments head your own 
university. It was invaluable, I am sure, in ways that we shall never 
understand and shall never know.
  But then it was up to Dr. Jordan to prove himself, and I am here to 
tell you as a person who is very familiar with all the institutions, he 
continues to be a tenured professor of law at Georgetown, where I 
taught full time before coming to the Congress, and under Dr. Jordan 
this institution has prospered and grown to even more admiration than 
it already enjoyed.
  In order for that to happen, Dr. Jordan had simply to show that he 
could do what presidents do, and he has done that to a fare-thee-well, 
from fund raising, which may be the most difficult to do especially 
since this university does receive some funding from the Federal 
Government.
  But as my colleagues know from their own State university, that does 
not matter that much today. Presidents are supposed to get out here on 
the hustings the way everybody else does, the way that private 
universities always have. And here when Dr. Jordan did it not only like 
everybody else does but did it in extraordinary ways, you see evidence 
of it in the new construction on the campus. You see evidence of it in 
the way in which the excellence of the institution has even improved. 
It already had a stellar reputation, and you see it in a very important 
expansion for graduate education for the deaf and hard of hearing.
  Dr. I. King Jordan has performed with the excellence that the 
students expected. They knew what he could do. They knew from his 
academic reputation, they knew from his background, what he could do. 
He has performed up to that standard and well beyond.
  The resolution that my colleagues bring forward today could not be 
more well deserved, and I thank you once again for it. And I thank you 
for myself and I thank you for the residents of the District of 
Columbia, including the disabled students who, of course, are resident 
there during the time they attend Gallaudet.
  Mr. KELLER. Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my 
time.
  Mr. KIND. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume just 
to conclude.
  I thank the gentlewoman from the District of Columbia for her very 
warm and gracious remarks on behalf of Dr. Jordan here today. I also 
know that my predecessor, Representative Steve Gunderson, who also 
served on the board at Gallaudet University, would join us today in 
honoring the career of Dr. Jordan. It was Steve Gunderson who first 
introduced me to the wonderful work that is taking place at that

[[Page 4133]]

university under the terrific leadership that I have personally 
witnessed throughout the years, and I know he joins us in support of 
the resolution.
  Finally, I would mention too that the minority whip, Mr. Hoyer from 
Maryland, who has been a good friend of Dr. Jordan, a strong supporter 
and friend of the university, was hoping to come down here and 
personally extend his warm remarks for Dr. Jordan's retirement. He is 
tied up right now.

                              {time}  1545

  I am sure he will be extending his remarks for the record. With that, 
I thank the gentleman for his support of the resolution.
  Mr. WELDON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, it is a great honor for me 
to rise to honor Dr. I. King Jordan upon his retirement as president of 
Gallaudet University on December 31, 2006. Dr. Jordan is a native of 
Glen Riddle, Pennsylvania, a small town near Philadelphia, in the 7th 
Congressional District which I represent.
  Dr. Jordan made history in 1988 when he became the Nation's first 
deaf university president at the world's only liberal arts university 
for the deaf--Gallaudet University. He also claims the distinction as 
the first deaf president of any institution of higher education in the 
U.S. The important message that Dr. Jordan sent to the world upon his 
appointment in 1988 was that deaf children brought up in a world that 
too often tells them that they can't do, now see they can do anything 
and that the only limit to their achievements is their ability to 
dream.
  The year 1988 was a pivotal one for the deaf and hard of hearing. The 
year began when the students and faculty of Gallaudet University 
protested the decision by the board of trustees to bypass two qualified 
deaf candidates for president and choose instead a hearing candidate. 
Called Deaf President Now (DPN), the week-long protest was a watershed 
event. Their persistent, but nonviolent demonstrations captured the 
hearts of the Nation and their victory resulted in the selection of Dr. 
Jordan--a selection which was applauded by hearing and nonhearing 
Americans alike.
  Dr. Jordan was not only a strong advocate for the Gallaudet 
community, but for individuals with disabilities across this Nation. 
One of his many proud accomplishments is the work he did to assist with 
the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which I 
supported. He was a leading witness in support of the ADA and delivered 
significant testimony not only in Congress, but across the country 
during the deliberations of this bill.
  Dr. Jordan's presidency has paralleled a time of great 
accomplishments for deaf persons, and all individuals with 
disabilities. Their needs and abilities have come to the forefront of 
public debate. He is far more than a symbol of ability over disability, 
he is a sensitive and caring individual, and a strong and forceful 
leader.
  Mr. Speaker, I wish Dr. Jordan and his wife, Linda, much happiness as 
they anticipate and begin a new chapter in their lives. I am proud to 
list Dr. I. King Jordan in the ``Who's Who of the 7th Congressional 
District of Pennsylvania.'' His strong, forceful, compassionate 
leadership and service will be greatly missed.
  Mr OXLEY. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor today to salute the outstanding 
service of Dr I. King Jordan to Gallaudet University. Through his 
personal and professional accomplishments and contributions to the deaf 
and hard-of-hearing community, he has become a role model for all.
  After serving in the Navy from 1962 to 1966, Dr. Jordan graduated 
with a B.A. in psychology from Gallaudet in 1970. He received his 
doctorate in psychology from the University of Tennessee in 1973. 
Afterward, he returned to Gallaudet and served as chairman of the 
Psychology Department and later as Dean of the College of Liberal Arts 
and Science. Tapped as Gallaudet's first deaf president in 1988, Dr. 
Jordan became the first deaf president of any institution of higher 
education in the country.
  Over the past 18 years, Dr. Jordan has forged a strong relationship 
between Gallaudet and Congress to improve the quality of life for deaf 
and hard-of-hearing individuals and those with disabilities. He is 
known and respected by his colleagues as an amiable and admired leader. 
Because of his passion for Gallaudet's mission, Dr. Jordan has always 
gone above and beyond his official duties to help others.
  I've come to know and admire Dr. Jordan through the Gallaudet 
University Congressional Basketball Classic, a biennial event pitting 
Republicans against Democrats in our own version of ``March Madness.'' 
The game celebrates Gallaudet's years of service to the deaf and hard-
of-hearing, with proceeds from the game going to support the invaluable 
programs offered at the school. I'm proud to note that Republican 
members hold a 6-5 advantage in the Classic, which dates back to 1987--
but clearly the students of Gallaudet are the real winners.
  Tonight's 12th biennial Congressional Classic will be my last, as it 
will be Dr. Jordan's last as president of Gallaudet University. He has 
been a stalwart supporter of the game over the years and a tireless 
advocate of Gallaudet's mission in his outreach efforts to the nation 
at large. I join my teammates and the whole House in honoring this 
dedicated and exceptional man as he concludes nearly 19 years of 
distinguished service at Gallaudet's helm.
  Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to express my strong support for 
H. Res. 680 and to pay tribute to the long and distinguished career of 
Dr. I. King Jordan, the first deaf President of Gallaudet University. 
Dr. Jordan's compelling life story, keen intellect, and unbridled 
passion have combined to make him an extraordinary educational leader, 
one of our nation's foremost advocates for people with disabilities, 
and an international leader and role model for the deaf and hard of 
hearing.
  Over the 18 years that he has served as University President, as well 
as his years as Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and Chair of 
the Psychology Department, Gallaudet University has thrived under Dr. 
Jordan's leadership. Gallaudet is the world's only university in which 
all programs and services are specifically designed for deaf and hard 
of hearing students. As President, Dr. Jordan dramatically expanded the 
University's endowment, improved and expanded academic programs, added 
new facilities, and recruited world-class faculty and administrators.
  I got to know Dr. Jordan during the passage of the Americans with 
Disabilities Act, which was signed into law in 1990. Dr. Jordan was a 
lead witness during a joint session of Congress and delivered key 
testimony, which was instrumental to the passage of this landmark civil 
rights legislation.
  Dr. Jordan has never relented in his commitment to improving the 
lives of people with disabilities. Last year, I was privileged to join 
Dr. Jordan in receiving the George Bush Medal for the Empowerment of 
People with Disabilities. That distinguished award is just one of the 
many that Dr. Jordan has received for his work. His numerous 
accomplishments and awards include no fewer than eleven honorary 
degrees, the Washingtonian of the Year, the James L. Fisher Award from 
the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), the Larry 
Stewart Award from the American Psychological Association, the 
Distinguished Leadership Award from the National Association for 
Community Leadership, and the U.S. Presidential Citizens Medal.
  In 1990, President George Bush appointed Dr. Jordan Vice-Chair of the 
President's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities 
(PCEPD), and in 1993 he was later reappointed as Vice-Chair by 
President Clinton of this influential body that made national 
recommendations on issues of employment.
  Dr. Jordan recently announced that he will retire as Gallaudet's 
first deaf President on December 31, 2006. While the University will be 
losing a remarkable leader, I know that Dr. Jordan will continue to be 
a driving force in our community.
  Mr. Speaker, I wish to express my deep gratitude to Dr. Jordan on 
behalf of the millions of individuals he has helped and inspired 
throughout his career. His tireless efforts have improved not only 
Gallaudet University, but also our nation and our world. I wish Dr. 
Jordan the best of luck in his retirement. His leadership and legacy 
will never be forgotten.
  Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the 
impressive career of Dr. I. King Jordan, as he retires from his 
presidency of Gallaudet University. For many years, Dr. Jordan has 
tirelessly served his community as an advocate and a champion for 
people who are deaf or hard of hearing. for the past 18 years, he has 
served as the president of the only institution of higher learning 
serving primarily deaf and hearing impaired students. I am proud to 
call Dr. Jordan a friend and honored to have had the opportunity to 
work with him in his capacity of university president over the years.
  Under Dr. Jordan's tenure as president, Gallaudet University has seen 
tremendous growth, with an increased endowment and strong progress in 
many academic areas. Dr. Jordan has raised awareness of the important 
educational contributions Gallaudet makes to the Nation and the world.
  As the first deaf president of Gallaudet University, Dr. Jordan 
served as a role model, as well as an advocate. One of his legacies at 
Gallaudet will be the President's Fellows program, which he established 
to increase the number of deaf and hearing impaired faculty.

[[Page 4134]]

His unwavering support and belief that all individuals, regardless of 
disabilities, should be encouraged to fulfill their potential has 
inspired countless students, faculty and others in the deaf and hearing 
impaired community to work towards that end.
  Dr. Jordan has accomplished a great deal in his professional career. 
I am pleased to have this opportunity to acknowledge his service to 
Gallaudet and his efforts to improve the quality of life for 
individuals who are deaf and hearing impaired, and individuals with 
disabilities. I thank him for his dedication and I urge all of my 
colleagues to support H. Res. 680.
  Mr. KIND. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. KELLER. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I 
yield back the balance of our time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Bradley of New Hampshire). The question 
is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Keller) 
that the House suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 
680.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor 
thereof) the rules were suspended and the resolution was agreed to.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

                          ____________________