Recognizing Niles Kinnunen, Jr.

Floor Speech

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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 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.

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