Recognizing Bruce Dart

Floor Speech

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Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Bruce Dart, who closed his photography studio after more than 40 years.

Bruce is a native of Mansfield, Pennsylvania, earned a bachelor of arts degree from Mansfield State College, and later served in the Navy.

During his time in the Navy, Bruce was trained as a journalist and took courses focused on broadcast journalism and photography, sparking his interest in the industry.

Following his tenure in the Navy, Bruce worked for a newspaper in Connecticut and later returned to Pennsylvania and worked for the Williamsport Sun-Gazette as a photographer. In 1973, Bruce accepted a position as assistant director of public relations at Mansfield State University and left after 6 years to fully pursue a career as a freelance photographer.

Bruce studied for more than 10 years at the Triangle Institute of Professional Photography in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and attended New York State's photography workshop, crediting this to his extensive experience.

Bruce is a member of various photography associations and has won multiple awards over his 40-year career. In 1986, Bruce earned the Certified Professional Photographer competency and has held this achievement for more than 30 years, a testament to Bruce's expertise and technical proficiency within the industry.

Bruce served on the board of directors of the Northeast Pennsylvania Professional Photographers Association, and he is the only photographer to be awarded the organization's Photographer of the Year Award five times. Additionally, some of Bruce's photographs have been published by the Associated Press.

Aside from photography, Bruce has been an active member of the community. He was president of the Greater Mansfield Area Chamber of Commerce and served on the Mansfield Borough Council for over 20 years. Bruce is also an active member of the Austin Cox American Legion Post and VFW Post 6757.

Bruce has been pivotal in capturing key moments throughout the Mansfield area but also moments in people's lives.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Bruce for his service to the community, capturing important moments throughout the years. Bruce has been a great leader in the photography community, but also a great mentor to many aspiring photographers. I wish Bruce all the best.

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