Hoyer Delivers Remarks at Retirement Gala Honoring Dr. William E. "Brit" Kirwan

COLLEGE PARK, MD–Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5) delivered remarks last night at a retirement gala honoring University System of Maryland Chancellor Dr. William E. "Brit" Kirwan. Dr. Kirwan will retire on June 30, 2015 after 13 years of service as USM's chancellor and 51 years of service to higher education in Maryland and across the nation. Below are his remarks as prepared for delivery:

"Good evening, and thank you, Johnny, for that introduction, I feel like I'm about to take the field for a kickoff.

"I'm so pleased to be here with all of you to celebrate the extraordinary career and accomplishments of a man I am proud to call a good friend, Brit Kirwan.

"We gather not only to honor his legacy as a champion for higher education but also to thank him for everything he has done and continues to do for the state of Maryland and its future.

"In the state he has served so well we have a tradition of celebrating the great Marylanders who left a lasting impact on our nation and our world.

"One of those great Marylanders, who I love to quote, was Frederick Douglass.

"In addition to escaping slavery and dedicating his life to the abolitionist cause, Douglass was also a tireless advocate for education.

"He once said:  ‘It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.'

"Douglass understood that providing the next generation with a solid educational foundation is critical to ensuring that tomorrow's Americans will be better prepared to carry on the great experiment in democracy and the work of achieving prosperity that we have inherited and committed to carry forward.

"For Douglass, the emphasis was on early childhood and basic schooling.

"Throughout his more than 51 year career, Brit has applied this same philosophy to the field of higher education.

"Brit's ties to the University of Maryland go very far back.

"He arrived in College Park in 1963 which, incidentally, is the year that I left campus as a young graduate.

"I missed the chance to get to know him at that time, but I've been grateful for the opportunity to work closely with him later in his career.

"And what a career it has been, culminating in his service as president of flagship campuses in two states, followed by 13 years as chancellor of the University System of Maryland.

"I've had the opportunity to watch Brit apply his talents firsthand on many occasions.

"One of the first was back in the 1990's, when the federal government was looking to consolidate Maryland's FDA facilities, and Brit and I worked closely together to bring the joint institute for food safety and applied nutrition to College Park.

"That was one of the first and most public partnerships between the federal government and the University of Maryland, and its success paved the way for many later collaborative efforts.

"The NSA, NIST, NOAA, and other agencies followed, and they have helped make the University of Maryland a hub for federal research investment.

"Much of this is directly thanks to Brit's vision, perseverance, and tireless work.

"Just last summer, Brit, Delegate John Bohanan, and I cut the ribbon on a new Unmanned Aerial Systems Test Site in Southern Maryland, an exciting initiative that brings industry, academia, and the federal government together to promote innovation and economic diversification in a new way.

"I'm very excited about this new center, which is a manifestation of Brit's commitment to ensuring that the University System benefits our state well beyond the boundaries of its campuses and reaches into new areas where research and learning can promote greater opportunity.

"The strong relationship the university has fostered with Pax River Naval Air Station during Brit's tenure is further testament to this.

"Brit, I will always take pride in the fact that I was a member of the board of regents when we were able to convince you to return to the University System as its chancellor.

"You possess a unique combination of intellect, vision, and resolve. 

"Any one of these three can make a person successful.

"All three make you exceptional – a center of excellence in the flesh.

"And, of course, you have had an extraordinary partner in Patty for more than half a century.

"She has been a beloved member of the University of Maryland family and cherished for her involvement throughout the years. 

"With her support and partnership, Brit, you have been an effective leader and helped turn your vision into reality.

"And it's a reality that is benefiting our state, our country, and thousands of students in the University System of Maryland and it will continue to benefit thousands more in the years to come.

"Thanks to your efforts and the work so many of us have done with you, the University System of Maryland has become a national model.

"And you have been a national leader in the field of higher education.

"As you prepare to retire, know with certainty that your imprint on our state and on our nation is indelible and will be visible for generations. 

"Thank you."