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IN RECOGNITION OF THE CAREER AND SERVICE OF RETIRING UNIVERSITY OF
WISCONSIN SYSTEM PRESIDENT TOMMY THOMPSON
______
HON. MIKE GALLAGHER
of wisconsin
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, March 15, 2022
Mr. GALLAGHER. Madam Speaker, today I rise in honor of the career and service of retiring University of Wisconsin System President, Tommy Thompson.
Throughout Mr. Thompson's long and esteemed career, he has been admired by his peers for his incredible dedication to public service. From being born and raised in Elroy, Wisconsin, to enlisting in the United States Army National Guard, to becoming the longest-serving governor in Wisconsin history, Mr. Thompson's commitment to the State of Wisconsin and our Nation never waivered. I commend Mr. Thompson's service and thank him for the enormous contributions that he has made to the State of Wisconsin and to the United States.
Mr. Thompson's successful tenure as governor was spearheaded by major initiatives like the nation's first school-choice program that Wisconsinites continue to benefit from today. His push for the parental school-choice program created unparalleled educational opportunities for students and witnessed record participation. Governor Thompson led the way on education, healthcare, and welfare reform setting the stage for decades of prosperity in Wisconsin. Given the success of his governorship, Mr. Thompson was appointed by then President George W. Bush to serve as the Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary from 2001 to 2005. During his time as HHS Secretary, Mr. Thompson played a key role in projects and initiatives that resulted in greater transparency and efficiency throughout the agency.
During his almost 60-year career, Mr. Thompson has proven himself to be one of the most successful public servants in Wisconsin history. In 2019, Mr. Thompson yet again answered the call to service as he was named President of the University of Wisconsin System. Under his leadership, the UW System prioritized developing, attracting, and retaining students and educators that will benefit from the world-class education that the UW system has to offer. As President, Mr. Thompson also helped the UW System navigate the incredible challenges of a once-
in-a-lifetime pandemic. The State of Wisconsin is grateful for Mr. Thompson's lifetime of service and dedication to our great state.
As we look back on Mr. Thompson's career, there is no doubt that he has dedicated his life to making the world around him a better place. Mr. Thompson's continued service to both the State of Wisconsin and the United States is worthy of our highest degree of recognition. I urge all of my colleagues in this body to join me in congratulating Mr. Thompson on another successful tenure in public service and on his retirement from the UW System. I wish him all the best in his future endeavors.
____________________
SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 46
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