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[Pages S2807-S2808]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
TRIBUTE TO E. THOMAS SULLIVAN
Mr. LEAHY. Madam President, today, I am honored to recognize the
president of the University of Vermont, UVM, Thomas Sullivan, who is
stepping down this June after 7 years as a remarkable leader for the
university.
Tom's tenure as the 26th president of the University of Vermont came
during a tumultuous time in higher education. Despite demographic
declines and reduced public investments in higher education, Tom made
quality, affordable education and investment in scholarship his top
priorities.
Tom expanded UVM's course offerings, oversaw 20 building projects,
and
[[Page S2808]]
helped increase the value of UVM's endowment by 80 percent. When
appointed in 2012, Tom was given the responsibility of heading UVM's
Move Mountains fundraising campaign with the goal of raising $500
million by 2020. Because of Tom's personality, passion, and, at times,
persuasion, the University hit its fundraising goal a year ahead of
schedule, a very impressive accomplishment considering the economic
hardship that has defined the last decade. The success of this campaign
increased scholarships for students, invested in top-tier faculty, and
made capital investments to improve the student experience.
While the university has continued to evolve, under Tom's leadership,
UVM has managed to stay true to its founding as a Land Grant
university. Tom has worked tirelessly during his tenure to expand UVM's
science, technology, engineering, and mathematics--STEM--offerings
including the 4-year construction of a $104 million STEM Complex. Tom
shares the belief that income should not be a barrier to a good
education. Because of his dedication to the education of all students,
Tom was instrumental in developing UVM's Catamount Commitment, which
promises Pell Grant-eligible Vermonters that the reminder of their
tuition will be covered, either through grants or waived by the
university entirely.
Tom's tenure at UVM tops off a long and distinguished professional
experience in the field of academia. Tom taught at the law schools of
the University of Missouri, Washington University in St. Louis, MO, and
was appointed to be a dean and professor of law at the University of
Arizona College of Law. Following his time at the University of
Arizona, he began his 17-year tenure at the University of Minnesota,
where he eventually was appointed to become its senior vice president
and provost.
Calling Tom a prolific academic and legal scholar would be an
understatement. He has written 11 books and over 50 articles primarily
in the field of antitrust litigation. In addition to his writings, in
2009, the Senate Judiciary Committee had the honor and privilege of
obtaining Tom's advice and consultation on the confirmation of then-
Judge Sonia Sotomayor to the U.S. Supreme Court. The lasting impact of
Tom's work in the field of legal studies is no small feat and will be
felt for generations to come.
It is rare to find Tom's unparalleled selfless dedication to academia
and the needs of students across the country as well as throughout the
world. Over the course of his 7-year tenure, Marcelle and I have had
the pleasure on multiple occasions to enjoy the company of Tom and his
wife Leslie. They are wonderful people who care about nothing more than
giving the next generation the opportunity to succeed through
academics. Tom's charming and caring presence will surely be missed on
campus, but we look forward to having Tom and Leslie as Vermont
residents for some time. Marcelle and I thank Tom for his service, and
we wish him and Leslie all the best in the next chapter of his
distinguished career.
____________________