[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 97 (Thursday, June 27, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1194-E1195]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO SISTER JEANNE O'LAUGHLIN

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. E. CLAY SHAW, JR.

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 27, 1996

  Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with great pleasure to recognize 
a south Floridian who this year is celebrating her 50th anniversary as 
an Adrian Dominican sister.
  Through her dedication to her work, her faith, and her students, 
Sister Jeanne O'Laughlin is one of the pillars upon which our south 
Florida community continues to grow and excel.
  Sister Jeanne's work began at an early age in her hometown of 
Detroit. Instilled with the values of her father, she took jam to the 
elderly in a nursing home, lent money to those in need, and was well 
ahead of her time in race relations. She learned the importance of 
education from her family. Sister Jeanne combined her passions for 
service, education, and religion by becoming an Adrian Dominican nun at 
sixteen.
  She has continued her mission of education and community service in 
her work as president of Barry University. Since assuming this post 15 
years ago, her tireless efforts have dramatically enhanced many aspects 
of both the university and Dade county. As president, Sister Jeanne has 
helped raise over $115 million for the university through an array of 
fundraising events--even lending her singing voice to the cause. She 
has diversified the student body of Barry, shifting it from a mostly 
white female population to include students from over 72 countries.
  Sister Jeanne is constantly involved in community activities--
chairing the Miami Coalition for a Drug Free Community and acting as 
president for three other national organizations. Her good works have 
been recognized

[[Page E1195]]

by the likes of the Miami Herald, Florida Governor Lawton Chiles, 
President Clinton, and Pope John Paul II. Her many generous deeds, both 
individually and community wide, are legend.
  I had a chance to witness Sister Jeanne's tenacity firsthand some 
years ago when she approached me to assist her in gaining the release 
of three Chinese women seeking asylum in the United States. These women 
had been locked up in a dingy hotel room near the Miami International 
Airport for many months, and Sister Jeanne did not rest until asylum 
was granted. Recently I had the chance to see Sister Jeanne speak to 
students at an anti-drug forum. Her ability to elicit a response from 
these jaded, street smart kids was uncanny, and she most definitely 
made an impact on the teenagers lives. It is clear that the 16-hour 
days that Sister Jeanne works have paid enormous dividends in our 
community. Whenever I see Sister Jeanne, she reminds me that she prays 
for me and the other elected officials charged with making decisions. 
I, for one, sleep easier for this.
  Mr. Speaker, throughout the United States are many individuals who 
dedicate their lives to such key social issues as education and 
community service. Sister Jeanne O'Laughlin is one individual who 
through her 50 years of service has helped to strengthen our Nation. We 
in south Florida are truly grateful. I ask my colleagues to join me in 
congratulating Sister Jeanne O'Laughlin as she celebrates her golden 
jubilee 50th anniversary as an Adrian Dominican sister.

                          ____________________