[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 54 (Friday, March 29, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E293-E294]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    RECOGNIZING NILES KINNUNEN, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GUS M. BILIRAKIS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, March 29, 2024

  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the 
unique contributions made in our community by one of my constituents, 
Dr. Niles Kinnunen, Jr. Dr. Kinnunen has been a vital part of Pasco-
Hernando State College (PHSC) and its Foundation since the 
institution's early days in 1975. Dr. Kinnunen served on the PHSC 
Foundation Board for 20 years before resigning in 2008. His unwavering 
leadership and commitment to the Foundation's mission led to his 
lifetime recognition as an Honorary Board Member. Being one of the

[[Page E294]]

first dentists in west Pasco County, Dr. Kinnunen was instrumental in 
establishing the dental program at PHSC and still supports the program 
today. During the Foundation's recent comprehensive campaign, Dr. 
Kinnunen collaborated with PHSC staff, local dentists, and community 
stakeholders to implement a campaign focused on raising funds for 
PHSC's dental program. Today, he continues to support students enrolled 
in the dental hygiene program through scholarship assistance. In 1989, 
Dr. Kinnunen, along with the West Pasco Dental Association, initiated 
the establishment of the Jeffrey and Kathleen Kinnunen Scholarship at 
the PHSC Foundation in memory of his son Jeffrey and late wife Kathleen 
who was a dental hygienist. Since its establishment, the endowment has 
provided over $30,000 in scholarship awards to PHSC students. Without 
scholarship support such as this, many students would not have the 
opportunity to attend PHSC and achieve their dreams. Dr. Kinnunen and 
his wife, Cherry, continue to support the Foundation through their gift 
of time, talent, and treasure. You can often find the Kinnunen's at a 
performing arts show at PHSC's West Campus and other Foundation events.
  It is clear that Dr. Niles Kinnunen has made a profoundly positive 
impact on our community, and I am grateful for his service.

                          ____________________