Press Room
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Ursula Oaks, 202.737.3699 x2553
For Release: Dec 10, 2003
Statement of NAFSA: Association of International Educators on the Death of Former Senator Paul Simon
NAFSA is deeply saddened by the news of the death of former Senator Paul Simon. “At a time of growing recognition that the challenges this country faces are undeniably global in nature, Sen. Simon set out a bold proposal to educate Americans about the world, which he worked on literally until his death,” said NAFSA Executive Director Marlene Johnson. Speaking of Sen. Simon’s latest initiative to establish a multi-billion-dollar Abraham Lincoln study abroad scholarship program, which he announced at a November 18 policy forum hosted by NAFSA, Johnson said: “We were proud to be his partners in that endeavor. Inspired by his leadership, we are committed to carrying on with our collective effort and to seeing his vision become a reality.”
At his untimely death at the age of 75, Sen. Simon was still pursuing his clear, strong, career-long vision of the central role of education in our nation’s social equity, economic growth, and world leadership. In an excerpt of his most recent book, published in October in the Chronicle of Higher Education, he wrote of his vision for a G.I. Bill for today, an ambitious federally funded program to extend the benefits of education to more Americans. In considering the prospects for the future strength and security of the United States, Simon identified education – a better skilled work force – as an issue in great need of our collective and urgent attention.
Of his federal study abroad scholarship proposal, he said: “We can’t just drift into becoming a greater nation. Too many political leaders in both political parties are afraid to tell us we’re going to have to sacrifice a little. The reality is if I want to improve my home I have to sacrifice a little, and if we want to improve our nation and our world we’re going to have to sacrifice a little. And this small gesture would be extremely important in terms of our relationship and our leadership ability in the rest of the world.”
Sen. Simon’s life and career stand as testimony to the best in public service. He will be greatly missed, but never forgotten.
At his untimely death at the age of 75, Sen. Simon was still pursuing his clear, strong, career-long vision of the central role of education in our nation’s social equity, economic growth, and world leadership. In an excerpt of his most recent book, published in October in the Chronicle of Higher Education, he wrote of his vision for a G.I. Bill for today, an ambitious federally funded program to extend the benefits of education to more Americans. In considering the prospects for the future strength and security of the United States, Simon identified education – a better skilled work force – as an issue in great need of our collective and urgent attention.
Of his federal study abroad scholarship proposal, he said: “We can’t just drift into becoming a greater nation. Too many political leaders in both political parties are afraid to tell us we’re going to have to sacrifice a little. The reality is if I want to improve my home I have to sacrifice a little, and if we want to improve our nation and our world we’re going to have to sacrifice a little. And this small gesture would be extremely important in terms of our relationship and our leadership ability in the rest of the world.”
Sen. Simon’s life and career stand as testimony to the best in public service. He will be greatly missed, but never forgotten.
