[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 1]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 1325]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




    IN RECOGNITION OF THOMAS P. RUFER UPON HIS RETIREMENT FROM THE 
                       UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXAS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL C. BURGESS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 3, 2016

  Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and thank Thomas 
P. Rufer for his service at the University of North Texas since his 
arrival in August of 2006. Retiring as Associate Vice President of 
Auxiliary Services, Tom, as he is known on campus, has been responsible 
for the leadership and management of seven auxiliary service operations 
on UNT's Denton Campus. In this role, he oversaw the operations of 
Student Housing and Residence Life, the University Union, Summer 
Conferences, Campus Vending Services. Tom also served as the contract 
administrator for the UNT Bookstore and the self-operated Food 
Services, the Gateway Center and Coliseum. It is in the Gateway Center 
and Coliseum where I have experienced first-hand the quality and 
service UNT students and staff provide under his capable direction.
  Prior to arriving in Denton, Tom worked in the hospitality and higher 
education industries for over 25 years, which proved to be excellent 
preparation for effectively managing all aspects of his position with 
UNT overseeing a breadth and variety of services necessary on a campus 
with over 37,000 students. Serving during a time of continued growth, 
Tom's efforts in expanding operations have allowed him to leave an 
indelible mark on the campus in the day-to-day operations management of 
food and facilities, but also in the campus facilities with the 
construction of Rawlins Hall and the opening of the new $137 million 
Student Union Building--the largest construction project in the 
university's 125 year history.
  Due to Tom's professionalism and commitment to service, the students 
and the greater Denton Community have reaped the benefits of the 
efficiency and discipline he has brought to the campus. On behalf of 
the 26th Congressional District, I also thank him for his service years 
to our nation in the Air Force and wish him the best in his well-earned 
retirement.

                          ____________________