[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 94 (Tuesday, July 19, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: July 19, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                          TRIBUTE TO ROD ADAMS

                                 ______


                           HON. TIM VALENTINE

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 19, 1994

  Mr. VALENTINE. Mr. Speaker, the congressional district I represent, 
and indeed the entire State of North Carolina, recently suffered an 
irreplaceable loss.
  Rod Adams, of Durham, NC, died on May 4. I knew Rod for many years 
and was proud to count him among my best friends.
  Although Rod never ran for public office, he epitomized the highest 
ideals of public service.
  Rod sat on the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority for more than a 
decade, helping to guide the airport through a period of growth and 
development. He was also a member of the North Carolina Employment 
Training Board, the board of trustees of North Carolina State 
University, and the board of governors of the University of North 
Carolina system. He was serving his second term on the UNC Board of 
Governors when he died.
  Earlier this spring, Rod's achievements were recognized in letters 
from President Clinton and Secretary of Education Riley. I ask that 
these letters be printed in the Record.
  In his letter, the President highlighted Rod's ``generosity and 
service'' that ``have improved the lives of your fellow Americans.''
  Generosity and service were, in fact, the hallmarks of Rod's life. 
Just as he devoted himself to the successful concrete business that he 
built, Rod devoted himself to serving his community. He was always 
there, and his leadership always made a difference.
  Rod Adams will be missed by many North Carolinians. My thoughts, and 
the thoughts of countless others, continue to be with his wife, Doris, 
and his family.
  Rod Adams can never be replaced. But we can all learn from his deeds. 
That will be his greatest legacy.


                                              The White House,

                                   Washington, DC, April 19, 1994.
     Mr. Rod Adams,
     Durham, NC.
       Dear Mr. Adams: I am delighted to join with your family and 
     friends in honoring you for your many years of service to the 
     state of North Carolina.
       Our country's greatest strength is the community spirit of 
     its people. Throughout our history, Americans have been eager 
     to serve the common good--from the days of the Civilian 
     Conservation Corps through the era of Peace Corps volunteers 
     to today's Summer of Service workers. Our nation has now 
     ushered in a season of American Renewal. We want to take more 
     responsibility for ourselves, our families, and our 
     communities in order to ensure a brighter tomorrow.
       You can take pride in your contribution to this legacy. 
     Your generosity and service have improved the lives of your 
     fellow Americans.
       With best wishes,
           Sincerely,
                                                     Bill Clinton.
                                  ____

                                          Department of Education,
                                       Washington, DC, March 1994.
       Mr. Rod Adams: It is my honor and pleasure to send 
     greetings to you for the many outstanding contributions you 
     have given to the people in your community, and indeed to 
     your state and our nation. I am particularly grateful for 
     your work on behalf of education.
       As President Clinton put it, education is ``an answer to 
     how all Americans can make their lives better and how we can 
     all make the economy stronger.'' Giving our students the best 
     education in the world is a moral imperative and an economic 
     necessity if our nation is going to continue to prosper. Your 
     work with North Carolina State University and now your work 
     on the University of North Carolina Board of Governors, no 
     doubt, contribute greatly in ensuring a quality education for 
     our young people that will enable them to pursue any career 
     they wish and to take on any challenge they choose.
       I am grateful for this opportunity to thank you for your 
     many contributions to excellence in education. Your continued 
     commitment is an inspiration to all.
                                                 Richard W. Riley,
     Secretary.

                          ____________________