[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 18 (Monday, January 30, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S1732]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



             [[Page S1732]] TRIBUTE TO DR. LESLIE S. WRIGHT

  Mr. HEFLIN. Mr. President, the Rotary Club of Birmingham, AL honored 
Dr. Leslie S. Wright on Wednesday, January 25 for his outstanding 
leadership during the 1985-88 term as Rotary International's PolioPlus 
campaign chairman. During his 3-year tenure as leader of this worldwide 
fundraising effort, Dr. Wright inspired and motivated Rotarians around 
the globe to more than double their original goal of $120 million. To 
date, Rotarians, companies, and individuals have donated over $247 
million to rid the world of polio by the year 2005.
  Not only has the money been raised, but thousands of Rotarians have 
volunteered countless hours toward 1 billion children being immunized. 
Our own hemisphere has been declared free of polio and we are well on 
our way to seeing an end to this dreaded disease before the target date 
of 2005. Altogether, 141 countries are now polio free. It is a grand 
understatement to say that the response to Dr. Wright's dynamic 
leadership was overwhelming.
  A native of Birmingham, Leslie S. Wright earned two degrees from the 
University of Louisville. He has been awarded honorary doctoral degrees 
by Auburn University, the University of Alabama, Troy State University, 
Samford University, and the University of Louisville. In 1983, he 
retired as president of Samford University, having served there since 
1958. He remains the university's chancellor.
  A Rotarian since 1947, Dr. Wright is a member and past president of 
the Rotary Club of Birmingham. He has served Rotary International as 
district governor, International assembly instructor, committee member 
and chairman, and director. He has received the Citation for 
Meritorious Service and the Distinguished Service Award from the Rotary 
foundation for his support of its international humanitarian and 
educational programs. He was appointed a charter member of the Alabama 
State Ethics Commission in 1973, serving a total of 6 years. He was 
twice chairman of the commission.
  Perhaps more than anyone else, Dr. Wright led the way in the drive to 
eradicate polio. I can think of no one more deserving of this honor and 
praise that was recently bestowed by his fellow Rotarians in 
Birmingham.
  I applaud his vision and congratulate him on his many achievements.
  

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