Floor SpeechBipartisan2026-04-29

CELEBRATING DR. FRANK J. CALZONETTI'S RETIREMENT

ClimateEnvironmentLabor

Context

On 2026-04-29, Representative Marcy Kaptur (D-OH-9) delivered a floor speech titled "CELEBRATING DR. FRANK J. CALZONETTI'S RETIREMENT" in the House. The speech addressed climate policy and also covered the environment, labor policy.

Full Text

CELEBRATING DR. FRANK J. CALZONETTI'S RETIREMENT

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 75 (Wednesday, April 29, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 75 (Wednesday, April 29, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E387] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] CELEBRATING DR. FRANK J. CALZONETTI'S RETIREMENT ______ HON. MARCY KAPTUR of ohio in the house of representatives Wednesday, April 29, 2026 Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the retirement of a truly extraordinary human being, public servant, and scholar, Dr. Frank J. Calzonetti. For decades, Frank has embodied the very best of what a university scholar and leader for our community and region can be. A patient, ingenious, and creative force for regional strength and national progress, he has built our community's resilience forward every step of the way--educationally and economically. For 25 years at The University of Toledo, a quarter century, his leadership has transformed scientific research into real-world impact. He has advanced energy and engineering innovation, strengthened workforce development, created new age jobs in energy, advanced manufacturing, fresh water systems, and guided Northwest Ohio toward a more secure and prosperous future. Even in his last months on the job, he helped deliver a $19.2 million federal award from the Department of Energy for nuclear workforce development, workplace safety, and advanced nuclear energy education. He told me this was the largest award in University of Toledo's history. His collaboration allowed a true team effort with over 20 organizations involved to bring home this major federal award. It would not have been possible with Frank's leadership and perseverance. Bravo. Dr. Calzonetti has always understood that great educational institutions do not stand apart from their communities--they stand within them. His efforts to advance us all and lift our communities up to new horizons, including establishing relationships with our Nation's most advanced federal research facility. Whether it was working together to advance clean energy initiatives, responding to crises like the Toledo water emergency, or helping position the University as a national research leader, Frank's historic work has left an enduring imprint that will never be forgotten, and exists to build forward. What a privilege it has been to work alongside Frank, including on recent historic federal investments to shape the next generation of American energy and power leadership, to seize cutting-edge research to secure our region, to save, and change lives for the better. Whether is it photovoltaics or clean, nuclear advancements, Frank stands tall. His steady vision never lost edge. Frank's life and career has been one of purpose, integrity, and lasting contribution. He has served our University, our State, and our Nation with distinction. On behalf of a grateful Northwest Ohio region, and Americans from coast to coast, I want to thank him and congratulate him on a remarkable journey. His personable demeanor and acute intellect translates into progress at every threshold. I thank Dr. Frank J. Calzonetti for his immeasurable contributions to The University of Toledo and Beyond. All of us are honored by his friendship and partnership in all these path-breaking efforts. Bravo. Onward. ____________________

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CELEBRATING DR. FRANK J. CALZONETTI'S RETIREMENT Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 75 (Wednesday, April 29, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 75 (Wednesday, April 29, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E387] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] CELEBRATING DR. FRANK J. CALZONETTI'S RETIREMENT ______ HON. MARCY KAPTUR of ohio in the house of representatives Wednesday, April 29, 2026 Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the retirement of a truly extraordinary human being, public servant, and scholar, Dr. Frank J. Calzonetti. For decades, Frank has embodied the very best of what a university scholar and leader for our community and region can be. A patient, ingenious, and creative force for regional strength and national progress, he has built our community's resilience forward every step of the way--educationally and economically. For 25 years at The University of Toledo, a quarter century, his leadership has transformed scientific research into real-world impact. He has advanced energy and engineering innovation, strengthened workforce development, created new age jobs in energy, advanced manufacturing, fresh water systems, and guided Northwest Ohio toward a more secure and prosperous future. Even in his last months on the job, he helped deliver a $19.2 million federal award from the Department of Energy for nuclear workforce development, workplace safety, and advanced nuclear energy education. He told me this was the largest award in University of Toledo's history. His collaboration allowed a true team effort with over 20 organizations involved to bring home this major federal award. It would not have been possible with Frank's leadership and perseverance. Bravo. Dr. Calzonetti has always understood that great educational institutions do not stand apart from their communities--they stand within them. His efforts to advance us all and lift our communities up to new horizons, including establishing relationships with our Nation's most advanced federal research facility. Whether it was working together to advance clean energy initiatives, responding to crises like the Toledo water emergency, or helping position the University as a national research leader, Frank's historic work has left an enduring imprint that will never be forgotten, and exists to build forward. What a privilege it has been to work alongside Frank, including on recent historic federal investments to shape the next generation of American energy and power leadership, to seize cutting-edge research to secure our region, to save, and change lives for the better. Whether is it photovoltaics or clean, nuclear advancements, Frank stands tall. His steady vision never lost edge. Frank's life and career has been one of purpose, integrity, and lasting contribution. He has served our University, our State, and our Nation with distinction. On behalf of a grateful Northwest Ohio region, and Americans from coast to coast, I want to thank him and congratulate him on a remarkable journey. His personable demeanor and acute intellect translates into progress at every threshold. I thank Dr. Frank J. Calzonetti for his immeasurable contributions to The University of Toledo and Beyond. All of us are honored by his friendship and partnership in all these path-breaking efforts. Bravo. Onward. ____________________