The publication is reproduced in full below:
COMMEMORATING THE LIFE OF PROFESSOR JOHN F. STACK, JR.
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HON. MARIO DIAZ-BALART
of florida
in the house of representatives
Thursday, July 21, 2022
Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Madam Speaker, it is with a heavy heart I rise today to commemorate a true academic scholar, Mr. John F. Stack, Jr. whose commitment to democracy in international and public affairs at the Florida International University has left an impressionable mark on the community and on me.
John began his career in 1976, as an instructor and shortly after Chair of the Department of Political Science at FIU and remained committed throughout his tenure to advancing FIU's core mission in providing high-quality teaching, state-of-the-art research, and collaborative engagement with our local and global communities. FIU's College of Law is credited in large part to John's leadership as Chair of the College of Law initiative in 2000 and his devotion to the rule of law in remaining part of the faculty for the past two decades. As if establishing a Law School wasn't enough, Professor Stack additionally served as the founding Director of the Jack D. Gordon Institute for Public Policy and as the founding Dean of the Steven J. Green School of International and Public Affairs.
Due in large part to his determination and vision for FIU, John led FIU to many firsts and has impacted thousands of students along the way. Under his leadership at FIU's Green School of International and Public Affairs, South Florida made history as the first university in Florida to achieve the designation of Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs, one of only 40 globally.
Throughout his extraordinary career, he has received numerous awards, including Doctor of Humane Letters in 2018 presented by his alma mater, Stonehill College. Among John's proudest moment was leading and advising FIU's Model UN team to rank Number 1 in the North American College Model U.N. Championship in 2019, a first in FIU history.
John was more than a professor; he became a personal mentor to me as well as to my Chief of Staff, Cesar Gonzalez. Before I began my professional career a friend recommended that I sit down with John to discuss my future. Although I was not one of John's students, he agreed to sit down with me. After a number of conversations, he urged me to consider public service. Though he considered public service demanding, he implored on me that there is no greater honor than serving your neighbor, community, country and fellow man. I am forever grateful for his mentorship and guidance throughout my time in public service.
While the loss of John marks a sad day for FIU and South Florida, his legacy will remain. I am fortunate to have had the privilege of working with such a talented and honorable individual.
Madam Speaker, I am honored to pay tribute to my dear friend and mentor, Mr. John F. Stack, Jr., for his outstanding leadership and dedication to higher education and public service, and I ask my fellow colleagues to join me in recognizing this remarkable individual.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 121(1), Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 121(2)
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