[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 10]
[Senate]
[Page 14086]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                      CONGRATULATING MARIA SHEEHAN

 Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, today I wish to congratulate Maria 
Sheehan on her retirement after serving as president of Truckee Meadows 
Community College, TMCC, for 7 years. It gives me great pleasure to 
recognize her years of hard work and commitment to making this 
institution the best it can be.
  Ms. Sheehan began working at TMCC in 2008 and took over the top 
leadership position at the community college that same year in July in 
the midst of a tumultuous economic downturn. Her leadership at the 
institution brought stability, creating a reliable administration and 
increased opportunity for students. During her career, Ms. Sheehan 
contributed greatly to the growth of TMCC, adding new buildings to the 
facility, including the Health Science Center at the Redfield Campus. 
She led the institution as it opened its Veterans Resource Center, an 
incredible resource for veterans wanting to go back to school after 
their service. She also spearheaded the complete renovation of the 
college's Applied Technology Center, providing students with the 
technical training and education needed to help grow Nevada's skilled 
workforce. In addition, student success rates doubled throughout her 
tenure. No words can adequately thank her for her great contribution to 
Nevada's students. Her positive legacy will continue on for years to 
come.
  As the husband of a teacher, I understand the important role academic 
institutions play in enriching the lives of Nevadans. Ensuring students 
throughout the Silver State are prepared to compete in the 21st century 
is critical for the future of our country. The State of Nevada is 
fortunate to be home to educators like Ms. Sheehan.
  I ask my colleagues and all Nevadans to join me in thanking Ms. 
Sheehan for her dedication to enriching the lives of Nevada's students 
and in congratulating her on her retirement. She exemplifies the 
highest standards of leadership and service and should be proud of her 
long and meaningful career. I wish her well in all of her future 
endeavors and in her pursuit of volunteering in Central 
America.

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