06/15/1977
https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu...
"Congratulations on your Nobel Prize in Chemistry for 1979."
"It is significant and gratifying that your achievements have been recognized with this renowned international award."
"Education is our most important national investment."
"I don't know what history will show, but my guess is that the best move for the quality of life in America in the future might very well be this establishment of this new Department of Education."