[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 134 (Thursday, August 10, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S12310]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


  CONGRATULATIONS TO RAYMOND KNAPE FOR RECEIVING THE AQUINAS COLLEGE 
                            REFLECTION AWARD

 Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to 
Raymond E. Knape. In so doing, I join with the members of his community 
who are honoring Ray Knape on Wednesday, September 6, 1995, with the 
third annual Aquinas College Reflection Award.
  This award is presented to Ray as someone who reflects the values of 
Grand Rapids, Michigan's Aquinas College. These values include 
commitment, vision, service, loyalty, integrity, and trust.
  Ray is a native of Grand Rapids, MI. He graduated from Catholic 
Central High School in 1949 and Georgetown University in 1953 with a 
bachelor's degree in business administration. Ray proceeded to enter 
the University of Michigan and earn both a masters degree in business 
and a law degree.
  Ray has served his country by joining the U.S. Naval Reserves in 
1951. He went on active duty after his graduation from the University 
of Michigan. He served as an attorney at the Pensacola Naval Air 
Station in Florida and retired from the Naval Reserves as a captain in 
1984.
  In 1962 Ray joined Knape & Vogt Manufacturing, founded by his 
grandfather in 1898. Knape & Vogt is the largest manufacturer of 
adjustable wall shelving in the world and holds one third of the 
market. It is also the second largest manufacturer of drawer slides for 
wood office furniture and kitchen and utility cabinet makers. Ray 
became president of Knape & Vogt in 1985 and in 1989 attained his 
current position as chairman of the board.
  Ray has been a community-oriented person throughout his life. He has 
generously contributed both his time and talents with many 
organizations including the Serra Club of America, Junior Achievement, 
Aquinas and Davenport Colleges, Saint Mary's Hospital, the Grand Rapids 
Employers Association, the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce, the 
Symphony Board, and many others. He has been an active fund-raiser and 
tireless worker on behalf of his parish, St. Stephen's Church, and the 
Roman Catholic Diocese of Grand Rapids.
  Mr. President I ask you along with all of my colleagues in the Senate 
to join with me in extending our heartfelt congratulations to Raymond 
E. Knape in receiving the Aquinas College Reflection Award.


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