Recognizing Hillary Olson

Floor Speech

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Mr. MORELLE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an extraordinary leader, a cherished friend, and someone whose impact on Rochester will be felt for generations to come: Hillary Olson.

Since arriving at the Rochester Museum & Science Center in 2018, Hillary has helped strengthen one of the cornerstones of our community. Through enormous challenges, including the pandemic, she guided the RMSC with vision, determination, and grace, helping ensure it emerged stronger than ever.

Hillary cares deeply about this community, about its history, about its future, and the people who call it home. She brings warmth, curiosity, and an unwavering belief that institutions like the Rochester Museum & Science Center can inspire young people, connect communities, and open minds.

Because of her leadership, countless families, students, and visitors have experienced the wonder of science, culture, and discovery.

While we are sad to see her leave Rochester, we are proud to see her take on this next chapter, knowing she will bring with it that same remarkable leadership wherever she goes.

Mr. Speaker, I wish her nothing but success, happiness, and continued impact in her new role and in the years ahead. Recognizing Dr. Beth Paul

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Mr. MORELLE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Beth Paul as she concludes her tenure of as president of Nazareth University after 6 years of remarkable leadership.

Beth arrived at Nazareth during one of the most difficult moments in modern higher education, taking the helm in the midst of a global pandemic.

Through steady leadership, vision, and determination, she helped guide the institution through extraordinary challenges while positioning it for a stronger future.

Under her leadership, Nazareth embraced a historic new chapter, transitioning from Nazareth College to Nazareth University and celebrating its centennial year--milestones that will shape the institution for generations to come.

Beth has been a passionate advocate for students, a champion of higher education, and a leader who understands that universities are not just places of learning. They are engines of opportunity, discovery, and service.

On behalf of my entire community, I thank my dear friend Dr. Beth Paul for her leadership, her service, and her unwavering commitment to helping students realize their potential. Visiting Omar Ramos-Jimenez

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Mr. MORELLE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today after visiting the Buffalo Federal Detention Facility in Batavia, New York, where I met with my constituent Omar Ramos-Jimenez.

Omar has lived in Rochester for three decades. He has worked, paid taxes, raised a family, and built a life in our community. He is not a danger to anyone. He is not a flight risk. He is a husband, a father, a neighbor.

As we spoke, he kept repeating the same words: ``I just want to go home.'' He does not want to go to Mexico. He wants to go to Rochester because Rochester is his home. Donald Trump told the American people he would target violent criminals, the worst of the worst. Instead, we are seeing longtime, productive members of our community swept up in a system built on fear. It is not about public safety. It is simply about cruelty.

In this moment, we must uphold American values. Dignity must be nonnegotiable. Due process must be nonnegotiable. Basic humanity must be nonnegotiable.

I will continue fighting for Omar, for thousands like him, and for an immigration system rooted in fairness, decency, and respect for every person.

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