Honoring the Lifetime of Achievements and Career of Dr. Samuel Lamar Wright, Sr.
by Representative Kathy CastorPosted on 2013-02-14
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CASTOR
of florida
in the house of representatives
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the
lifetime of achievements and career of Dr. Samuel Lamar Wright, Sr. Dr.
Wright's desire to help others, along with his achievements and service
to the Tampa Bay community is worthy of recognition by all.
A native Floridian, Dr. Wright grew up in Boynton Beach. In 1974, he
graduated, with honors, from the University of Florida with a degree in
Psychology from the College of Arts and Sciences and a degree in
Psychological Foundations from the College of Education. He later
continued his studies at the University of South Florida where he
completed his doctorate in Special Education Administration and
Supervision.
After serving as the first black City Councilman in Boynton Beach,
Dr. Wright moved to Tampa in 1985. He was hired by the University of
South Florida to plan, create and coordinate student programming for
minority students. At the time, black students accounted for less than
5 percent of the student population. He made it his mission to improve
student enrollment for minorities. He later served for 13 years as the
university's assistant director for multicultural admissions, allowing
him to recruit, enroll, mentor and retain minority students, fostering
diversity on USF's campus. After serving as associate dean of student
relations and director of multicultural affairs at USF, Dr. Wright is
now the USF student ombudsman, a position where he cherishes the
opportunities to mentor students through the challenges of college and
cheer on their successes.
Aside from his accomplishments with the University of South Florida,
Dr. Wright's commitment to the Tampa Bay community has been unwavering.
In 2001, he organized the first Tampa Bay Black Heritage Festival, a
multicultural celebration, now held annually, in honor of black history
and culture in the Tampa area. Dr. Wright also serves as the vice
president of the Hillsborough County NAACP and has served as a Board
member with the Tampa Bay Convention and Visitors Bureau. In addition,
he is actively involved at the state level as a member of the African
American Task Force and, in 2010, he was appointed by Governor Charlie
Crist to serve as a board member of the Florida Fund for Minority
Teachers. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the Glazer's
Children's Museum.
After 27 years with the University of South Florida and countless
contributions to the Tampa Bay community, Dr. Wright is retiring. It is
clear that he has contributed to the growth and diversity at USF in
countless ways, while also influencing and effecting students on a
personal level. While his contributions to USF will be missed, his
impact on the Tampa area will no doubt continue for years to come.
The Tampa Bay community is proud to recognize Dr. Samuel Lamar
Wright, Sr. for his steadfastness and desire to enrich the people of
our community. His outstanding career and significant contributions
have made him an inspirational leader. I ask that you and all Americans
recognize such a remarkable citizen for his service to our community
and our state.
____________________
