[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 41 (Friday, March 22, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E416]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO RAY GILMARTIN

                                 ______


                           HON. MARGE ROUKEMA

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 21, 1996

  Mrs. ROUKEMA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer my heartfelt 
congratulations to my friend Ray Gilmartin on being honored by West 
Bergen Mental Healthcare. On Sunday, March 24, Ray will be presented 
with the West Bergen's Distinguished Service Award.
  I cannot think of a person who is more deserving of this honor. I 
have known Ray and Gladie Gilmartin for many years and have seen the 
seriousness of their commitment to their community.
  Those across America who know Ray know him as a distinguished captain 
of industry. Since he earned his MBA from Harvard Business School just 
a few short years ago, he has had a meteoric rise in the business 
world. He now serves as chairman, president and chief executive officer 
of Merck & Co., the world's largest pharmaceutical concern. He 
previously served in the same capacity at another premier firm, Becton 
Dickinson & Co. of Franklin Lakes, NJ.
  He is a national leader in health care. An active participant in 
health industry affairs, Ray is a member of the board of the 
Pharmaceutical Research & Manufacturers of America and Project HOPE, a 
nonprofit organization conducting educational programs in the health 
sciences. He is also chairman-elect of the Healthcare Leadership 
Council, a national coalition that promotes cutting-edge health care 
reform.
  Closer to home, those who know Ray know him as a passionate supporter 
of a wide range of community activities. In addition to his 
chairmanship of the board of Valley hospital in Ridgewood, his public 
service activities also include serving as a board member at Union 
College in Schenectady, NY., the United Negro College Fund, the 
Associates of Harvard Business School, the New Jersey State Chamber of 
Commerce, and the Ethics Resource Center. He is also a member of the 
Business Roundtable and the Business Council and a trustee of the 
Conference Board and the Committee for Economic Development. He is also 
a member of the board of the Providian Corp. and PSE&G.
  My husband, Dr. Richard Roukema, and I are proud of our longtime 
association with West Bergen Mental Healthcare. For years, West Bergen 
Mental Healthcare has served effectively northern New Jersey's 
population of the mentally ill, in effect, speaking for those who 
cannot speak for themselves. Further, West Bergen responds to crises in 
our community in a way that no other organization can. And now, this 
effective and caring organization is reaching out to children and youth 
in a way it has not ever before. Its Center for Children and Youth in 
Ramsey provides counseling and psychotherapy for youngsters aged 2 to 
18 regardless of their ability to pay.
  Mr. Speaker, America's communities could all use more dedicated 
community-minded organizations like this. But fundamentally, 
organizations like this could all use more dedicated supporters like 
Ray Gilmartin. He is a shining example of the volunteer community 
service that makes America strong.

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