[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 12]
[House]
[Pages 16907-16908]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  2045
                   RETIREMENT OF DR. DAVID E. DANIEL

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from Texas (Mr. Conaway) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. CONAWAY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to one of the 
great educators in my hometown of Midland, Texas, Dr. David E. Daniel. 
David is retiring next month after 17 years as president of Midland 
College.
  All of Midland owes a deep thanks to Dr. Daniel, who has worked 
tirelessly to create a community college that is part of the fabric of 
the city. His presidency has seen Midland College undergo many changes 
and emerge as a first-class educational institution.
  The most visible aspect of Dr. Daniel's tenure is the building boom 
that has taken place across the campus. His administration built or 
renovated over a dozen campus buildings to help make more space for 
students and improve the classroom space at the school. Dr. Daniel has 
been instrumental in garnering the community support needed to finance 
this construction.
  But more important than the physical improvements to the campus has 
been the culture of success that Dr. Daniel has installed in the 
school. His philosophy that every person can succeed if they are given 
the right motivation and opportunity has created a campus atmosphere 
that puts students first.
  He has long understood that students are the reason for Midland 
College, and has never forgotten the trust they placed in him when they 
enrolled.

[[Page 16908]]

  To be an educator is to be a purveyor of hope to those seeking to 
improve their lot in life. As Dr. Daniel looks back on his career, I 
hope he sees the thousands of lives he has touched. He has offered the 
opportunity of a better of life to every individual who has passed 
through the doors of the school.
  I wish Dr. Daniel, my friend, David, my heartfelt thanks for guiding 
Midland College to such great heights during his stewardship. He has 
left the institution stronger than when he found it, and forged a deep 
bond between the school and the community that it serves. Midland 
College has enriched the city of Midland beyond measure, and thanks to 
David Daniel, will continue to do so.
  It is an honor to represent David Daniel and his wife Dee Dee, here 
in Washington, D.C. As they begin the next chapter of their lives, I 
wish them the best of luck and the deepest of happiness.

                          ____________________