Honoring Lawrence Denardis, Ph.D. For His Outstanding Service to the Community

HONORING LAWRENCE DENARDIS, PH.D. FOR HIS OUTSTANDING SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY -- (Extensions of Remarks - September 08, 2004)

Ms. DELAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to pay tribute to one of our community's most outstanding leaders, and my good friend, Lawrence DeNardis, as he is honored by family, friends, and colleagues for his 13 years of service as President of the University of New Haven. Larry has dedicated a lifetime of service to the community and we are certainly fortunate to have been the beneficiary of his unparalleled compassion, generosity, and commitment.

For over a decade, Larry has been at the helm of the University of New Haven and under his leadership and direction the University has truly prospered. I have often spoke of our Nation's need for talented, creative educators, willing to help our young people learn and grow-Larry is just that kind of teacher. Larry has spent most of his professional career in higher education. For 16 years he served as Associate Professor and Chairman of Political Science at Albertus Magnus College, Visiting Professor of Government at Connecticut College, Guest Scholar at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars of the Smithsonian Institution, and seminar instructor at Yale University. His good work and diligent efforts to provide a quality education to his students has touched the lives of thousands of young people-going a long way in providing them with a strong foundation on which to build their futures.

Larry's outstanding record of contributions to education has been recognized both locally and nationally. Immediately prior to his appointment as President of the University of New Haven, Larry served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Connecticut Policy and Economic Council and was appointed by former Governor Lowell Weicker as Chair of the Connecticut Board of Governors of Higher Education. Larry was also selected by former President George W. Bush for an appointment to the National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity, a group which oversees the accreditation of institutions and associations in higher education.

In addition to his distinguished career in education, Larry has also served in public life where he demonstrated a unique commitment to public service. He served five terms in the Connecticut State Senate as well as one term as the United States Representative for Connecticut's Third Congressional District. After his term in the United States House of Representatives, Larry went on to serve as the Acting Assistant Secretary for Legislation at the United States Department of Health and Human Services. He was also appointed by former President George W. Bush as a member of the Board of Regents of the National Library of Medicine-a position which he held for four years.

It is not often that you find an individual who so willingly dedicates himself to the betterment of his community. In addition to his professional contributions, Larry has worked with numerous local business and service organizations aimed at providing a better quality of life for the residents of the Greater New Haven area. Our communities would not be the same without people like Larry, who give their time and energy to make a difference in the lives of others.

Through his contributions, Larry has left an indelible mark on our community. For all of his good work, I am proud to rise today to join his wife, Mary Lou; his four children Larry, Jr., Gregory, Mark, and Lesley; family, friends, and colleagues in extending my thanks and appreciation to my friend Lawrence DeNardis. My very best wishes for many more years of health and happiness.