[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 5]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 6452]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




     PAYING TRIBUTE TO DR. EUGENE B. HABECKER FOR HIS 11 YEARS OF 
         OUTSTANDING SERVICE AS PRESIDENT OF TAYLOR UNIVERSITY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SUSAN W. BROOKS

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 17, 2016

  Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Eugene 
Habecker on the occasion of his retirement. For the past eleven years 
Dr. Habecker has devoted his life to providing an exceptional 
educational experience to the students of Taylor University. The people 
of Indiana's Fifth Congressional District are forever grateful for Dr. 
Habecker's dedication to the education of our country's future leaders.
  Dr. Habecker demonstrated a lifetime passion for education, including 
his own. Before becoming the 30th President of Taylor University in 
2005, he received a number of degrees. He is a proud Taylor University 
alumnus, receiving his bachelor's degree from Taylor University in 
1968. He then went on to earn a master's degree from Ball State 
University in 1969, Ph.D. from the University of Michigan in 1981, J.D. 
from Temple University in 1974, a certificate from Harvard University 
in 1986, and several honorary degrees from numerous colleges and 
universities.
  After earning an impressive number of degrees, he continued pursuing 
his passion for education. He held executive leadership positions at 
several educational institutions including George Fox University in 
Newberg, OR and Eastern University in St. Davids, PA. He served as 
President of Huntington College in Huntington, IN from 1981-1991, and 
was President and CEO of the American Bible Society from 1991-2005 
before he returned to his alma mater to serve as President of Taylor 
University.
  Taylor University, located in Upland, IN, was founded in 1846, making 
it one of the oldest evangelical Christian colleges in America. 
Throughout his tenure as President of Taylor University, Dr. Habecker 
has been instrumental in ensuring that Taylor's strong history as a 
university continued to flourish and grow. Under his leadership, Taylor 
University has been ranked the number one Midwest University in the 
category ``Best Regional Colleges'' by US. News & World Report for nine 
years straight (2007 through 2016). He is also credited with raising 
$180 million for operating, endowment, and capital projects. The funds 
raised have gone to many projects that have enhanced student life such 
as campus beautification projects, construction of new living centers, 
major upgrades to athletic facilities, and the establishment of 
international centers and a highly successful study abroad program. He 
also brings a group of students to the National Prayer Breakfast in 
Washington, D.C. each year, recognizing the importance of young 
Christians participating in this historic annual breakfast designed to 
serve as a forum for political, social, and business leaders to create 
a dialogue and build relationships.
  His wife, Marylou, who is also a 1968 graduate of Taylor, has been 
influential as well with her diverse and extensive work in campus 
ministries. Marylou and Dr. Habecker have a clear passion for education 
and love for Taylor University. The school is dedicated to living life 
together in a discipleship community, and Dr. Habecker and Marylou have 
been exceptional leaders in facilitating such an environment.
  Due to his astounding leadership, Dr. Habecker was chosen to serve on 
several boards including the Christian Management Association, National 
Association of Evangelicals, and Council for Christian Colleges and 
Universities. Additionally, he was selected to serve on three 
international boards, most notably the United Bible Societies Global 
Board. Through his work with the United Bible Societies Global Board 
and through Taylor University, Dr. Habecker and Marylou have traveled 
extensively, both nationally and globally. The primary focus of their 
travels has been promoting and educating others on how to be a 
successful leader in Christian education.
  Dr. Habecker's astonishing commitment to higher education in Indiana 
and success as a leader has not gone unnoticed. He was awarded the 
Christian Management Award from the Christian Management Association 
(1989), Distinguished Alumni Citation from Huntington College (1989), 
Life Enrichment Award from the Charles Drew University of Medicine and 
Science (1996), Layperson of the Year Award from the National 
Association of Evangelicals (1999), and finally, his own Taylor 
University selected him as the 1998 Distinguished Alumnus for 
Professional Achievement.
  Dr. Habecker made a remarkable impression on the lives of his 
students, faculty, and the Taylor University community. He and Marylou 
have left a legacy of success at Taylor that will be built upon for 
decades to come. On behalf of Indiana's Fifth Congressional District, 
I'd like to congratulate Dr. Habecker on his noteworthy career and 
extend a huge thank you for all the wonderful contributions he has made 
to the Hoosier community. I wish the very best to Dr. Habecker, 
Marylou, their three children, and seven grandchildren as he enjoys a 
well-deserved retirement.

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