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Today, Congressman Bill Huizenga (R-MI), spoke on the House floor thanking Matt McLogan, the Vice President of University Relations at Grand Valley State University, for his nearly 35 years of service and commitment to GVSU, its students, and West Michigan. Video of Congressman Huizenga’s remarks as well as an edited text copy of his remarks are available below. 

I know that Matt and his colleagues are watching right now. I will note that in 1987, I was just graduating from high school when Matt was hired in.

Matt has had an incredible tenure. I can tell you that throughout his career, Matt has put the staff and the Grand Valley Community at the center of it all, but most importantly it was about the students for him. It was always about the students.

Whether it was him looking out for who would be the next leader for the student council and student body president to who would be a great intern in an office like mine or many others whether it be in Lansing or Washington, D.C. Matt was always there for the students. So as was said when he joined the university, it was a smaller college of 8,000 students, literally in the middle of a cornfield. Now it is this juggernaut powerhouse of a university in Michigan with five locations and 23,000 students. That is in part due to Matt's efforts.

I have had the privilege of knowing Matt personally for well over 25 years. I, too, grew up listening to Matt on local television at first. I can tell you his wisdom, his counsel, his encouragement that he has to offer to friends, family, colleagues, it is something that he is known for. I never met anyone quite so positive as Matt when it comes to life.

In addition to his time at Grand Valley and his time on television, he has also served our state in lots of various ways on committees and commissions with one very notable one being the public service commission. As he was there trying and serving help lead the direction of the state through multiple administrations and various governors.

I will tell you this, the thing that Matt is especially known for is his Michigan political trivia. Now, I can tell you if you had been wondering who the Lieutenant Governor was in 1923, all you had to do was ask Matt and he would be able to tell you. He is probably telling and saying the name right now to his colleagues as he is watching this.

Here's what I need to say today. Congratulations Matt and thank you. Jane's going to enjoy that time together with you and I know that you've got more coming. Even though you may not have quite figured it out yet, I know you are fighting to the very end for Grand Valley and that budget period that's in Lansing right now. But here's something that we all need to know, Matt, you are a Laker for Life and we thank you for your service.

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