[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 5364]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                RECOGNIZING REV. CHARLES L. CURRIE, S.J.

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. TIMOTHY H. BISHOP

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, April 6, 2011

  Mr. BISHOP of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer my 
heartfelt congratulations to a dear friend, Rev. Charles L. Currie, 
S.J., on his retirement from the presidency of the Association of 
Jesuit Colleges and Universities (AJCU).
  For over four decades, Father Currie has served as a tireless 
advocate of independent higher education. His passion and dedication 
have had a tremendous influence on the lives of countless students 
through his multiple roles as an educator, spiritual leader, and 
humanitarian. A true renaissance man, Father Currie has personified the 
AJCU mission of leading a meaningful life of leadership and service.
  A product of the Jesuit system, Father Currie earned degrees from 
Fordham University, Boston College, and Woodstock College, as well as a 
doctorate in physical chemistry from the Catholic University of 
America. Following his post-doctoral studies at Cambridge University, 
Father Currie went on to serve as a noted faculty member at Georgetown 
University before serving as president of Wheeling College (1972-1982) 
and Xavier University (1982-1986). At Wheeling and Xavier, his vision 
and leadership placed an emphasis on the importance of academic 
quality, effective planning and management, active involvement and 
commitment to the community, and strong public-private and ecumenical 
partnerships.
  Following his tenure at Wheeling and Xavier, Father Currie retuned to 
Georgetown University to direct the University's Bicentennial 
Celebration, which included over 90 academic, cultural and celebratory 
events from September of 1988 through September of 1989. Later in 1989, 
following the assassination of six Jesuit priests and two female 
coworkers by members of the El Salvadorian military, Father Currie was 
named special assistant to the President of Georgetown to coordinate 
the university's response to this tragedy. Working closely with 
congressional leaders and aides, Father Currie successfully organized a 
number of educational programs at Georgetown and participated in the 
extensive Congressional response to block military aid to El Salvador.
  In 1997, following several years serving as Rector of the Jesuit 
Community at Saint Joseph's University in Philadelphia, Father Currie 
took the reins as president of the AJCU. Under his leadership, the AJCU 
has implemented numerous initiatives to increase the free flow of 
information and communication between the 28 member institutions of the 
Association. The development of the Jesuit Distance Education Network 
(JesuitNET) has earned national acclaim, receiving two federal grants 
and selection by the U.S. Department of Education to participate in the 
Distance Education Demonstration Program. Similarly, the creation of 
the AJCU Leadership Development Seminar, the promotion of mission and 
identity activities, and the concerted effort to promote the education 
of justice have combined to significantly enhance the coordination of 
Association goals among member institutions.
  Perhaps Father Currie's greatest accomplishment as president of the 
AJCU arose out of tragedy. In 2005, following the Hurricane Katrina 
catastrophe, Father Currie organized a rapid response from the AJCU 
members to admit over 1,600 students from Loyola University New Orleans 
and other affected area universities. By allowing the affected students 
to continue their studies before returning to the Gulf area in the 
spring semester, the students were able to maintain uninterrupted 
instruction and remain on track for timely graduation.
  Mr. Speaker, I applaud Father Currie for his immeasurable 
contributions to the cause of higher education and I congratulate him 
on his well earned retirement following a distinguished career of 
service and advocacy. In closing, I would be remiss if I did not 
include the following Ignatian prayer, dedicated to Father Currie and 
the devoted Jesuit educators like him:

     Eternal Word, only begotten Son of God,
     Teach me true generosity.
     Teach me to serve you as you deserve.
     To give without counting the cost,
     To fight heedless of wounds,
     To labor without seeking rest,
     To sacrifice myself without thought of any reward,
     Save the knowledge that I have done your will.
     Amen.

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