[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 10 (Thursday, January 25, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E84]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  JESUS ERAZO: AN OUTSTANDING INDIVIDUAL WITH A TRUE COMMUNITY SPIRIT

                                 ______


                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 25, 1996

  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the memory 
of Jesus Erazo, a young man whose dedication to his family and friends 
will be remembered forever. Tomorrow, the Spanish speaking program of 
Kean College will honor Jesus with a musical presentation at the 
school's Little Theater in Union, NJ.
  Tomorrow evening's commemoration will celebrate the contributions 
made by Jesus to his family, friends, and community. The focus of much 
of Jesus' young life was his family. Born in Cali, Colombia, Jesus was 
on a journey home when his excursion was abruptly ended by the crash of 
American Airlines Flight 965 in December 1995. While in the United 
States, part of his earnings were sent to his family to help 
``alleviate their financial needs.''
  Education also played a major role in the life of Jesus. As a 
resident of Elizabeth, Jesus received training in the graphic arts from 
learning institutions in Union County, NJ. In 1992, he graduated from 
the commercial art program of the Union County Vocational & Technical 
Schools. Building on this success, Jesus entered Kean College of New 
Jersey from which he was to graduate in May. While at Kean College, 
Jesus became a valued member of the collegiate community for his 
superior academic performance as well as for his unconditional support 
of friends and fellow students. Among the recognitions received by 
Jesus were being named to the dean's list for four semesters and an 
outstanding academic performance award from the Association of Latin 
American Students. In 1995, Jesus was inducted into Lambda Alpha Sigma 
Honor Society.
  Another theme that resonated throughout Jesus' life was community 
involvement. His altruistic spirit manifested itself in his work with 
the Spanish speaking and English as a second language programs of Kean 
College. Jesus contributed designs for the program covers of these two 
highly regarded programs. Jesus provided joyful accompaniment to the 
lives of his friends and fellow community members. He will be 
remembered with tremendous love and respect by each person whose life 
he touch.
  It is an honor to applaud the legacy of a gifted individual like 
Jesus Erazo. Jesus provided great joy to his friends and colleagues 
throughout his short life. I am certain my colleagues will rise with me 
and pay tribute to the memory of this magnificent young man.

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