[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 80 (Tuesday, June 10, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1173]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




TRIBUTE TO HANS CHRISTIAN ACKERMAN, RECIPIENT OF THE RHODES SCHOLARSHIP

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                        HON. HERBERT H. BATEMAN

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 10, 1997

  Mr. BATEMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend and congratulate 
Mr. Hans Christian Ackerman, a recipient of the prestigious Rhodes 
scholarship. Hans, a graduate of Menchville High School in Virginia's 
First District and a 1997 graduate of the College of William and Mary, 
is one of only 32 students nationwide to earn the much coveted 
scholarship in honor of philanthropist Cecil Rhodes.
  As an interdisciplinary studies major and a member of Phi Beta Kappa, 
Hans specialized in molecular and cellular biology in college. The 
Rhodes scholarship will enable him to continue his research on 
infectious disease in Third World countries at Oxford University for 
the next 3 years.
  Much of Hans' scientific curiosity and his dedication to health in 
underdeveloped countries was fostered by living with his family in 
Zaire for 7 years. As a child, Hans witnessed the ravages of rubella 
and malaria throughout the African populations and was disquieted by 
the inability to prevent such rampant disease.
  Last summer, Hans returned to Africa for 7 weeks as a volunteer with 
the Kenya AIDS Non-Governmental Organizations Consortium. In Kenya, he 
spent his time as an AIDS educator and helped administer polio 
vaccinations.
  As a result of his upbringing and his experiences, Hans intends to 
dedicate his life to preventive care medicine as a primary care 
provider in underdeveloped countries.
  Hans' academic success an spirit of volunteerism are matched only by 
his achievements in the field of music. While at the College of William 
and Mary, he actively participated in the Gentlemen of the College a 
cappella group, the William and Mary Choir and the Early Music 
Ensemble.
  Hans has demonstrated outstanding scholastic achievement, a 
dedication to the prevention of the spread of deadly disease, and a 
commitment to improving health care in underdeveloped countries. His 
variety of interests prove him to be a strong role model for any young 
American. In view of this young man's special achievements, a hope you 
will join me in congratulating Mr. Hans Christian Ackerman on being 
chosen as one of the America's Rhodes scholars.

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