In Recognition of Dr. Richard W. McDowell: President of Schoolcraft College

Congressional Record 107th Congress First Session Thursday, June 28, 2001

Mr. President, I am delighted to speak today to acknowledge a leader, from my home state of Michigan, who has dedicated his life to serving the citizens in Michigan, Dr. Richard W. McDowell. Today, many people will gather to pay tribute to Dr. McDowell for his service as President of Schoolcraft College, in Livonia, Michigan, for the past twenty years.

Dr. McDowell has dedicated his life, both professionally and personally, to the service of his community. Dr. McDowell has served capably and honorably as the President of Schoolcraft College during a period of incredible growth for this institution. He has presided over programs and projects that have reshaped the campus, and enhanced its ability to meet the needs of students at Schoolcraft College.

During his tenure as President, Dr. McDowell has presided over the construction of numerous structures including additions to the Campus Center, the Child Care Center and the student center that bears his name. In addition to enhancing the physical facilities, he has greatly enhanced the economic structure of the campus by forming the Schoolcraft Development Authority, and by expanding the endowment of the college. These efforts will secure the ability of the school to maintain a world-class campus while providing students with access to an affordable education.

In addition to these activities, Dr. McDowell is a leader in his profession and in numerous civic institutions. His love of academia and education translated into his desire to serve the educational community writ large. Dr. McDowell has served as President of the Michigan Community College Association, and he has been a member of the Michigan Educational Trust Board, the National Advisory Panel for the Community College Program at the University of Michigan, the American Association of Community Colleges and the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

He has further assisted his community by serving on the board of Wayne County Private Industry Corporation, St. Mary Mercy Hospital and the City of Livonia Ethics Board. This selfless leadership has been recognized by many organizations, including his alma maters - Indiana University of Pennsylvania and Purdue University. Both of these institutions awarded him their distinguished alumni awards. In addition, he was selected one of the top fifty community college presidents in the United States by the Community College Leadership Program at the University of Texas at Austin.

I hope my Senate colleagues will join me in saluting Dr. McDowell for his career of public service, particularly the commitment to education which he has exhibited for the last two decades.