[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 129 (Wednesday, September 18, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1643]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   KILDEE HONORS MARCANTONIO MOROLLA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DALE E. KILDEE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 18, 1996

  Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the recipient of the 
1996 Golden Door Award, Marcantonio ``Tony'' Morolla. Mr. Morolla will 
receive the award at the annual dinner meeting of the International 
Institute of Flint on Tuesday, October 8.
  The International Institute of Flint presents this award annually to 
a foreign-born citizen who has substantially improved life in the Flint 
community.
  Tony was born in Triggiano, Bari in southern Italy. He immigrated to 
the United States with his parents, Girolamo and Antonia Morolla, and 
his two sisters in 1955. The family struggled during their early years 
in the United States. The automotive industry was in a downturn and 
layoffs at the automobile plants were frequent. During these years 
Girolamo often thought about leaving his job at the V-8 engine plant 
and moving his family back to Italy. The couple resolved to stay in the 
United States. They instilled their determination to thrive into their 
children.
  Tony Morolla has lived his life as a testament to his parents' 
spirit. He completed 2 years of service in the U.S. Army. After 
obtaining his associate of arts degree he worked as a caseworker in the 
7th District Congressional Office of then Congressman Donald Riegle. He 
continued his studies at the University of Michigan-Flint and received 
a bachelor of arts degree in Urban Studies/Political Science in 1973. 
Tony worked during this time as the consortium manager for the Flint 
Area Chamber of Commerce. He continued his public service career as the 
associate director of the YMCA outreach project. In 1974 the city of 
Flint employed him as a personnel technician. Two years later he was 
promoted to his present position as civil service director for the city 
of Flint. Tony was awarded a master's degree in public administration 
in 1990.
  His commitment to the city of Flint extends beyond his professional 
career. The list of organizations he has volunteered for is long. It 
includes the Urban League of Flint, Holy Redeemer Church, Donovan-
Mayotte School, Powers High School, St. Pius Church, American Society 
for Public Administration, YMCA, and the Optimists Club.
  Two organizations in particular have benefitted from Tony's 
expertise. He has served in the capacity of president for both the Sons 
of Italy and the International Institute of Flint. He was instrumental 
in reactivating the State Lodge for the Sons of Italy and has devoted 
numerous hours in promoting the International Institute of Flint's 
mission for greater global understanding.
  Recognizing that education is a stepping stone to a better life Tony 
shares his knowledge with the next generation by teaching courses at 
the University of Michigan-Flint and the Detroit College of Business. 
With his wife Hilary, he has three children, Marc, Heather, and Ashley.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask the Congress to rise with me to honor this great 
American. My hometown of Flint has benefitted from the contributions of 
Tony Morolla. We are a better community because of his indomitable 
spirit.

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