[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 3]
[Senate]
[Pages 4407-4408]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO MARILYN CORMIER

  Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, tucked away in the mountains, hills, and 
valleys of Vermont is a widely recognized, vibrant college campus that 
also happens to be my alma mater--Saint Michael's College. To students, 
faculty, staff, and alumni alike, the Saint Michael's community is 
almost like a family: once you become a part of it, it becomes part of 
your life. Later this year, one of our campus's family members--Marilyn 
Cormier--will leave the grounds of Saint Michael's, retiring after 
nearly 33 years of dedicated service to the college. Marilyn is known 
to many, and all who have worked with her have admired her tenacity, 
her love

[[Page 4408]]

for Saint Michael's, and her commitment to the institution she has 
called home for over three decades. I will miss her.
  In 1982, Marilyn traveled halfway around the world from her home in 
Sri Lanka and landed at Saint Michael's. She started working in the 
Office of Academic Affairs, ultimately becoming the director of 
government and community relations and the secretary of the board of 
trustees, the position from which she will retire. Marilyn's passion 
for connecting the academic community of Saint Michael's with 
surrounding Vermont communities and communities across the country and 
abroad has made her a valued mentor to students and faculty alike. St. 
Mike's could not have had a more effective ambassador, champion, and 
problem-solver than Marilyn has been in this crucial role. Her energy 
is only matched by her creativity and her clear, sharp focus on what 
matters.
  Marilyn's considerable talents also benefited the Vermont Council on 
World Affairs, an organization headquartered at Saint Michael's 
College. As a member of the board of directors, Marilyn has connected 
students with cross-cultural opportunities throughout Vermont and 
across the globe. In 2012, Marilyn helped to organize a delegation of 
representatives visiting the French city of Honfleur. It was a treat 
for both Marcelle and me to be a part of that special visit.
  Over the years, I have crossed paths with many people connected to 
Saint Michael's, from public figures in the Nation's Capital, Vermont 
and across the country, to visitors in my office, to members of my own 
staff. One constant in each of these encounters is the praise they have 
for Marilyn for her work in helping so many students achieve their 
goals. She has empowered students to become leaders in their 
communities. I know these are commitments that will continue, even as 
Marilyn prepares for this exciting next chapter in her life.
  Saint Michael's is a special place that many visit and come to call 
home. So it has been for Marilyn Cormier. Marcelle and I wish our dear 
friend all the very best.

                          ____________________