3350 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS March 22, 2000 platoon leader in the first United Nations March 16, the Central Connecticut State Uni- program truly encompasses the meaning of peacekeeping force, UNEF, in Gaza from versity Men’s Basketball team played in the the word ‘‘team.’’ The dedication and support 1956 to 1957. He subsequently devoted his NCAA Division I tournament for the first time of Steve, Patrick, and Anthony played a key life to the diplomatic service. After holding nu- since joining the division in 1986. role in helping these amazing players be their merous high-level positions in the Danish cabi- When the Blue Devils traveled to the Min- best. net, Ambassador Tygesen was appointed neapolis Metrodome for their big game, they And finally, the amazing players. Each one Deputy Head of the Danish delegation to the brought with them the accomplishment of a 25 has helped make this very special moment United Nations’ 11th Special Assembly on and 5 overall record during the 1999–2000 happen for the school and they should be ex- Economic Affairs in 1980, where his perform- season, including a 15-game winning streak, tremely proud of their accomplishment. Wher- ance was so commendable that he shortly and the title of Northeast Conference Cham- ever life may take them upon graduation from thereafter was appointed Ambassador to pions. They had set their sights on a win in Central Connecticut State University, the Brazil and then to Germany. In 1995 he was the first round of action, but they were already memories of this remarkable season will re- made Ambassador of the Kingdom of Den- winners in the hearts of many across the main with them forever. mark to the United States of America. Nation. We would be remiss if we did not mention In this last post, Ambassador Tygesen en- Central waited many years, but it was finally the most selfless act of one player in par- couraged Denmark to join the United States their turn at the ‘‘big dance.’’ As an alumnus ticular, Victor Payne, which was observed by as an active part of the international effort to of the University, I could not be happier for the University President Richard Judd. counter the destabilizing effects of President team. A dedicated fan, who is a wheelchair-bound Milosevic’s ethnic cleansing agenda in the There is nothing better than school pride. Central student, has attended every one of the former Yugoslavia. Consequently, Denmark The approximately 12,000 students who at- team’s games. And the team’s Northeast Con- was the one of the largest per capita contribu- tend the University, which is located on a ference championship game in Trenton, NJ, tors to peacekeeping missions in Kosova, par- campus that encompasses both Newington was no exception. After the net was lowered, ticipating in the air campaign and providing and New Britain Connecticut, were given two Victor Payne cut off a string and quietly, with- troops and police as well as humanitarian aid more reasons to feel this pride with the team’s out fanfare walked over to this student and and reconstruction assistance. win at the Northeast Conference on March 6, handed it to him. What a heart-rendering act Ambassador Tygesen also promoted Danish and with the announcement on Sunday, March of team spirit that embodies what the athletic support of NATO expansion. At the Wash- 12 that they were headed to the NCAA Divi- program at Central Connecticut State Univer- ington Summit in April 1999, Denmark wel- sion I Championship playoffs. sity is all about. Victor Payne wasn’t told to do comed Poland, Hungary and the Czech Re- The great, former Central coach Bill Detrick that, he just knew in his heart it was the right public to NATO. This generosity of spirit and summed up the passion and pride that alum- thing to do. global awareness were also evident as Am- nus, students and friends of the University felt We offer our most sincere congratulations to bassador Tygesen sought, both in Washington when the team won the Northeast Conference the Central Connecticut State University Men’s and in Copenhagen, to support further liberal- Championship, ‘‘When those nets were cut Basketball team on their many successes this ization of transatlantic trade in the interest of down, oh boy, all the players, coaches and season. Thank you for the wonderful memo- both our countries. His efforts to contain and fans ever at Central were up on that ladder, ries you have provided. eliminate trade frictions and to devise an too.’’ We wish the Blue Devils many years of con- early-warning system so that both sides of the Yes, in a manner of speaking, we were on tinued success. Thanks for making two of your Atlantic might avoid such trade disputes in the that ladder. And the person who helped us ex- biggest fans very proud. future have strengthened cooperation between perience that amazing moment was the Blue f the United States and the European Union. Devil’s coach and fellow University alumnus, Last year the Ambassador also secured Howie Dickenman. Under his leadership the TRIBUTE TO EDWARD HEALEY Danish funds which made it possible to sign team won the Northeast Conference Cham- an agreement between the Danish Ministry of pionship just two years after joining the con- HON. MARK FOLEY Culture and the government of the United ference. In just his fourth year as head coach, OF FLORIDA States Virgin Islands (the former Danish West Dickenman has transformed the Blue Devils IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES from a 4 and 22 team into champions. No one Indies). Denmark shares a rich common herit- Wednesday, March 22, 2000 age with these islands, and through this is more deserving of the Northeast Con- agreement will transfer original archival mate- ference Coach of the Year recognition than Mr. FOLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to rec- rial on the history of the Danish West Indies Howie Dickenman. ognize a gentleman from southern Florida who from the Danish National Archives in Copen- Here is a man who just earned a remark- devoted his life to public service. State Rep- hagen to the Unites States Virgin Islands. able professional achievement, but who gave resentative Edward Healey, a former opponent Ambassador Tygesen has been integral to the glory of the moment to the memory of his and a valued colleague passed away last promoting the continued good relations be- best friend from college and former coaching Wednesday. tween the United States of America and the staff colleague, Dave Rybczyk. Dave past Ed dedicated his professional and personal Kingdom of Denmark. He displays all the away in September 1999, but he spent 11 life to the people of Florida and as a state leg- noble qualities of compassion, reasonableness years working as assistant coach along side islator he served as one of the most senior and foresight which characterize his country- his dear friend Howie. What a moving moment members in the history of the Florida House. men, and we in Washington shall miss him when Howie let Dave’s son and former Blue His contributions to the lives of all Floridians greatly. Devil’s player, Mark, cut the final strands of will continue to pay dividends for generations f the net after the Northeast Conference Cham- to come. As he was fond of saying, ‘‘A life of pionship game in honor of his father. service is the only life worth living.’’ HONORING CENTRAL CONNECTICUT I had the pleasure of going to college with Originally from New York, Ed was awarded STATE UNIVERSITY’S MEN’S Howie Dickenman so I know first hand what a the Purple Heart for his actions in northern BASKETBALL TEAM caring individual he is, and how passionate he France during the invasion of Normandy. He is about coaching. He takes the legacy passed moved to Florida in 1957 and quickly became HON. JOHN B. LARSON down to him by his father, a former basketball involved in public service. Never one to grand- OF CONNECTICUT coach at Norwich Free Academy in Norwich, stand, Mr. Healey was a true statesman, fol- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CT, very seriously. So much so, that he car- lowing his convictions and transcending polit- ried one of the bowties that his father used to ical wrangling. Wednesday, March 22, 2000 wear as a coach in his pocket during Central’s Long before ethics and campaign finance Mr. LARSON. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of championship game. reform became buzz words in elections, Ed Congressman SAM GEJDENSON (CT–02) and Words of gratitude for this ‘‘dream season’’ Healey was an advocate of good government. myself, today I honor a special group of col- must also be expressed to the team’s assist- He worked to build the infrastructure of Florida lege athletes who have captured the hearts ant coaches , Patrick Sellers, and through a solid knowledge of transportation and minds of people across the State. On Anthony Latina. Central’s men’s basketball issues and his work on the Joint Management

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