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[Pages S4029-S4030]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
TRIBUTE TO REVEREND BRIAN J. SHANLEY
Mr. REED. Madam President, I rise to join my colleague from Rhode
Island in celebrating the tenure of Reverend Brian J. Shanley as the
12th president of Providence College. As he completes his service, we
thank him for his many contributions to the intellectual, social, and
spiritual life in Providence.
A native of Warwick, RI, and a graduate of Toll Gate High School,
Father Shanley raised the national profile of Providence College,
strengthening its academic programs, transforming and modernizing the
campus, and fielding championship athletic teams. During his
presidency, the college established its first Center for Global
Education, the East and West Campuses were finally connected, and the
Friars brought home the 2014 Big East Men's Basketball Championship and
the 2015 NCAA Men's Hockey Championship.
But the extent of his impact on students and the community is much
broader than academic rankings, innovative land use, and sports. He
advanced the mission of the college as an ``institution of higher
education and a community committed to academic excellence in pursuit
of the truth, growth in virtue, and service of God and neighbor.''
The motto of Providence College and the Dominican Order is
``Veritas'' or ``Truth.'' As president, Father Shanley worked to create
an environment where students could discover truth both academically
and spiritually. He established an Office of Mission and Ministry.
Under his leadership, Providence College students have performed
thousands of hours of community service in the city and beyond. The
search for truth has also led to a greater commitment to racial and
social justice on campus. When students occupied his office, calling
for action on diversity and inclusion, Father Shanley met with them and
agreed to concreate actions to promote diversity and inclusion in
academics and other aspects of campus life. During his tenure the
college also established the Office of Institutional Diversity, Equity,
and Inclusion.
As a scholar of philosophy, Father Shanley follows the teachings of
Saint Thomas Aquinas, another Dominican friar, who wrote that it is
``better to illuminate than merely shine to deliver to others
contemplated truths than merely to contemplate.'' That is the kind of
leadership Father Shanley has provided to Providence College for these
past 15 years. He will be missed on campus and around town. I wish him
well in his next endeavors and thank him for his service.
Mr. WHITEHOUSE. Madam President, I rise today, along with my senior
[[Page S4030]]
colleague Senator Reed, to mark the last day of Father Brian Shanley's
tenure at Providence College, where he has served as president for 15
years. Father Shanley is the longest serving president in the history
of Providence College and the only native Rhode Islander to have had
the role.
A graduate of Providence College himself, Father Shanley has led the
Catholic liberal arts college--the country's only higher learning
institution run by the Dominican Friars--through a decade and a half of
change. He has greatly increased P.C.'s national profile and overseen
major capital improvements to the campus, all while ensuring the school
remains true to its principles and a good neighbor in the Elmhurst
section of Providence. Father Shanley created a College of Business to
expand the school's offerings beyond its signature liberal arts
curriculum and a Center for Global Education to foster opportunities
abroad for students. He has taken strides to increase diversity by
investing in financial aid, transitioning to a test-optional admissions
model, and recruiting students and faculty from different backgrounds.
And, of course, P.C. has cultivated a national reputation for its
stellar basketball and hockey programs with Father Shanley at the helm.
I would like to add on a personal note how cordial and gracious
Father Shanley has been in all my dealings with him and with Providence
College in his tenure. It has been a true pleasure to work and interact
with him.
I wish Father Shanley the very best in his well-earned retirement. Go
Friars!
____________________
