Congressman Sam Farr's tribute to Sandy Faber

Sandy Faber was all smiles during the tribute from Congressman Sam Farr. Photo by Carolyn Lagattuta.

What a pleasure to have Congressman Sam Farr honor Sandy Faber at Wednesday's Academic Senate meeting. He was clearly thrilled that Sandy received the National Medal of Science from President Obama, and he spoke eloquently about the awe he feels regarding the campus's—and UC's—contributions in astronomy and astrophysics. He even mentioned having met recently with UCSC alumna Kathy Sullivan, now head of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, on the anniversary of the day she became the first U.S. woman to walk in space.

Sam has been a valuable and influential advocate for the campus in Sacramento and Washington, D.C., and we are truly fortunate to be so well known and highly regarded by our elected representative. And Sandy got a kick out of learning that his tribute to her, which was entered into the Congressional Record, will be in libraries around the world.

Note to self: Sam mentioned that in the 33 years he has represented the campus—13 years in the state Assembly and 20 years in Congress—this was the first time he'd been invited to address the Senate. Talk about an oversight!

Comments or questions? Write to chancellor@ucsc.edu and put "Farr" in the subject line.