[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 13]
[Senate]
[Pages 17623-17624]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                 COMMENDING JOE AND CHRISTINE TOWNSEND

 Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, today I recognize the distinguished 
service of two Texans, as they approach retirement from Texas A&M in 
January 2010. For over 30 years, Dr. Joe D. Townsend and Dr. Christine 
Townsend, often referred to as ``Dr. Joe and Dr. Chris'' by their 
students, have served the students of Texas as instructors, mentors, 
and friends. By recognizing and cultivating the untapped potential 
within students, they have inspired countless youth to be men and women 
of character, vision, and dedication.
  Dr. Joe began serving students over 40 years ago as a vocational 
agriculture teacher in Aubrey, TX. Since that time, he has positively 
impacted the lives of thousands of students through many different 
roles. At Texas A&M University, Dr. Joe served as a professor, 
associate dean for student development in the College of Agriculture 
and Life Sciences, and most recently, associate vice president for 
student affairs. His office was known as refuge for students in need of 
wisdom and advice, and many relied on his support and encouragement to 
make the difficult transition from high school to college.
  Dr. Chris' career in higher education began three decades ago at 
Illinois State University. At Texas A&M, Dr. Chris has served as a 
professor, department head, undergraduate coordinator, and 
undergraduate adviser in the department of agricultural leadership, 
education, and development. She has a gift for recognizing the unique 
needs of students and never failed to commit her time, energy, and 
resources to meeting their needs. Dr. Chris' love for teaching students 
has made a lasting impact on her department and her departure will 
leave a void that will be difficult to fill, and a legacy that will be 
easy to remember.

[[Page 17624]]

  Their years of selfless service and unwavering devotion to the 
improvement of students' lives have earned the respect of countless 
Texans. I thank them for their commitment to excellence and send my 
best wishes for the years ahead.

                          ____________________