[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 51 (Friday, April 19, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S3737]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         REV. ROOSEVELT AUSTIN

 Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, I rise to honor Rev. Roosevelt 
Austin and his wife, Dr. Nurame Austin, who will be celebrating their 
40 years of dedicated service to the Saginaw community and the State of 
Michigan. Reverend Austin is the pastor of Zion Missionary Baptist 
Church in Saginaw, MI.
  Reverend Austin was ordained June 25, 1953, at Western Seventh 
District Association in Opelousas, LA. This day was the start of a long 
and fruitful career of community service. Reverend Austin's pastoral 
experience began as a youth minister at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church in 
Opelousas, LA, the church where he was converted on April 7, 1936. 
Reverend Austin went on to receive bachelor's and master's degrees in 
theology. He received a doctorate of divinity degree with honors from 
the American Divinity School in Chicago, IL.
  Reverend Austin has always stressed the importance of education. He 
has become a shining example to the community of what a lifetime of 
learning can accomplish. He has served on local, State, and national 
congresses of Christian education. He has also served as a board member 
on the Commission on Quality Education for All Children for Saginaw 
Public Schools. Reverend Austin sees that improving the condition of 
our inner cities begins with improving the education of our children.
  Reverend Austin's dedication to improving the condition of our 
Nation's inner cities has been a driving in his life s work. During the 
course of his career, Reverend Austin has taken part in many 
institutes, organizations, and community groups that focus on solving 
problems associated with poverty. He is a board member of the Saginaw 
chapter of the NAACP and also serves as a spiritual advisor to inmates 
at the Saginaw County Jail.
  On May 4, 1996, Reverend Austin will be awarded an honorary doctor of 
humanities degree from Saginaw Valley State University for the 
leadership role he has played in seeking neighborhood improvement.
  Through his life's work, Reverend Austin has touched and improved the 
lives of countless people. I know that my Senate colleagues will join 
me in congratulating Rev. Roosevelt Austin on his 40 years of 
outstanding service to the community.

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