[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 5]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 6915]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING DR. STEVEN VANAUSDLE ON HIS RETIREMENT AS PRESIDENT OF WALLA 
                        WALLA COMMUNITY COLLEGE

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. CATHY McMORRIS RODGERS

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 23, 2016

  Mrs. McMORRIS RODGERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Dr. Steven 
VanAusdle on his retirement as President of Walla Walla Community 
College.
  Mr. Speaker, Dr. Steven VanAusdle, who is retiring at the end of this 
academic year, has served Walla Walla Community College for 45 years, 
31 of those as President. During his highly successful tenure, Dr. 
VanAusdle has positioned Walla Walla as one of the top community 
colleges in the nation.
  As President, he has established a culture that fosters innovation 
and entrepreneurialism on the campuses and in the communities served by 
the college. Dr. VanAusdle has developed programs that meet the unique 
needs of Walla Walla's students, developing young men and women who 
have achieved and succeeded to the benefit of communities throughout 
Eastern Washington. His vision and actions have helped a rural region 
experiencing economic decline transform itself into a diverse regional 
economy highlighted by a thriving wine industry.
  President VanAusdle has focused on student success and championed 
practices that increase participation, retention, and completion rates, 
especially for at-risk students. Walla Walla Community College's 
successful initiatives include workforce training as well as programs 
in healthcare, energy technology, water management and viticulture. 
Under his leadership, Walla Walla Community College was named the 2013 
co-winner of the Top Community College in the Nation by the Aspen 
Institute for Community College Excellence.
  The White House named Dr. VanAusdle a Champion of Change in 2011, 
recognizing his contribution to advance stronger communities and a 
stronger nation. Dr. VanAusdle was presented with the Washington State 
University Alumni Association Alumni Achievement Award in 2010, 
honoring his legacy of outstanding leadership and dedication to higher 
education. Dr. VanAusdle has served as a member of the Council on 
Competitiveness, was appointed vice chair of the Washington State 
Economic Development Commission by Governor Christine Gregoire, 
represented Washington State on the Pacific Power Regional Advisory 
Board, and served on the Port of Walla Walla Economic Development 
Advisory Committee.
  Mr. Speaker, Dr. VanAusdle has transformed the lives of the students 
with whom he has come into contact over his more than four decades as 
Walla Walla Community College. He has had an immeasurably positive 
impact on the College, its students, and communities around Eastern 
Washington. I commend him on his more than forty years of academic 
excellence at Walla Walla Community College and wish him and his family 
health and happiness in their future endeavors.

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