In Honor of Dr. Norman C. Francis

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an esteemed educator and outstanding civic leader, Dr. Norman C. Francis. As the nation's longest-serving university president, Dr. Francis will be retiring after 47 remarkable years as president of Xavier University of Louisiana in New Orleans, Louisiana. A reception hosted by the Honorable Mary Landrieu and the Honorable Alexis Herman will be held in his honor on Wednesday, April 22, 2015 at 5:30 p.m. in Washington, DC.

Born and raised in Lafayette, Louisiana, Dr. Francis, the son of a barber and a homemaker, first set foot on the campus of Xavier University as a student in 1948 and immediately stood out among his peers as a leader in all areas of academic excellence. Foreshadowing the legacy he would later build on this very campus, his fellow classmates elected him class president each year of his undergraduate study and student body president his senior year. When he graduated with honors in 1952, Dr. Francis left Xavier knowing that he would return someday.

Later that year, Dr. Francis became the first African American to attend Loyola Law School in New Orleans. After graduating in 1955, he served our country with honor and distinction in the U.S. Army's Third Armored Division. After his honorable discharge, Dr. Francis worked on special assignment with the U.S. Attorney General to help desegregate federal agencies.

Following his completion of this assignment, Dr. Francis found himself at a crossroads. He had a promising legal career ahead of him yet he yearned to be of service in higher education. Choosing the latter, where he thought his talents could be of greater use, Dr. Francis returned to his alma mater, becoming dean of men in 1957. Rising quickly through the ranks, he became the first African American and first layman to serve as president of Xavier University in 1968.

Mr. Speaker, Dr. Francis has revolutionized Xavier University in countless ways during his 47-year tenure as president. Under his leadership, the university's enrollment has more than doubled, its endowment has grown eight-fold, and its campus has expanded from only five buildings to sixteen buildings on more than sixty acres.

These changes are also reflected in the young leaders and model graduates that Xavier continues to produce. Xavier University is recognized as the leading producer of African American undergraduates who go on to complete medical school and one of the top three producers of African American Doctor of Pharmacy degree recipients. Xavier ranks first nationally in the number of African American students earning undergraduate degrees in biology and life sciences, chemistry, physics, and pharmacy.

Dr. Francis' sphere of influence has not been confined to the campus limits of Xavier University. A nationally recognized figure, Dr. Francis has served in advisory roles to eight U.S. presidents on education and civil rights issues. He has also served on 54 boards and commissions. He has received 42 honorary degrees from other universities and numerous awards and commendations in recognition of his leadership in higher education as well as his selfless service to his community and to our nation. In 2006, then-President George W. Bush honored Dr. Francis with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian award.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Dr. Norman C. Francis for his significant contributions to our nation and for his 47 outstanding years as President of Xavier University of Louisiana. His visionary leadership has helped transform this university for the better to provide students with a fulfilling college experience, a quality education focusing on academic excellence, and the necessary tools with which to live successful and productive lives.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source