[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 82 (Thursday, June 12, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1198-E1199]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                 HONORING JUDGE ROBERT KURTZ RODIBAUGH

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TIM ROEMER

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 12, 1997

  Mr. ROEMER. Mr. Speaker, it is a great honor to rise today in 
appreciation of Judge Robert Kurtz Rodibaugh, the senior bankruptcy 
judge for the South Bend Division of

[[Page E1199]]

the Northern District of Indiana. It is truly an honor for me to 
recognize Judge Rodibaugh, who has consistently demonstrated generosity 
and selfless dedication to the citizens and legal community of northern 
Indiana.
  On Friday, June 13, 1997, a new bankruptcy courthouse on the corner 
of Western and South Michigan Street in South Bend, IN, will be 
dedicated in honor of Judge Rodibaugh and his numerous contributions to 
the legal community. He is recognized by the community and his peers as 
an honorable man worthy of such a tribute. Judge Rodibaugh has served 
the citizens and legal community of the Northern District of Indiana 
wisely, efficiently, and honorably since his initial appointment as a 
referee in bankruptcy in November 1960 and throughout his legal career 
as a bankruptcy judge.
  Mr. Speaker, throughout his tenure, Judge Rodibaugh has presided over 
the growth of the bankruptcy court from one small courtroom with a 
part-time referee and a clerk's office of two employees in South Bend, 
IN, to four different courtrooms in the cities of South Bend, Fort 
Wayne, Gary, and Lafayette, IN, with four full-time judges and a 
clerk's office of over 40 employees. Judge Rodibaugh has fulfilled his 
duties as a referee in bankruptcy and bankruptcy judge with patience, 
fairness, dedication, and legal scholarship which is most worthy of 
recognition. His high standards have benefited the many law clerks and 
judicial personnel who have served under his tutelage, the lawyers who 
have practiced before the bankruptcy court, as well as the citizens 
residing in the Northern District of Indiana.
  At the beginning of the current Congress, I reintroduced legislation, 
H.R. 81, in the U.S. House of Representatives to designate this 
courthouse as the Robert K. Rodibaugh United States Bankruptcy 
Courthouse for the South Bend Division of the United States Bankruptcy 
Court for the Northern District of Indiana. As you may recall, I 
introduced identical legislation which was passed by the House of 
Representatives during the last session. Unfortunately, the measure was 
not considered by the Senate before the 104th Congress adjourned last 
September. I am honored to be the sponsor of H.R. 81 and pleased that 
the majority of the Indiana Congressional Delegation has cosponsored my 
legislation.
  Mr. Speaker, it is important for me to indicate that the firm of 
Panzica Development Co. with Western Avenue Properties, LLC, has 
graciously agreed to name the new privately owned courthouse building 
in Judge Rodibaugh's honor, owing to his unblemished character and 
numerous professional achievements in the bankruptcy field.
  Mr. Speaker, I am confident that the Robert Kurtz Rodibaugh United 
States Bankruptcy Courthouse is an appropriate title for the new 
bankruptcy court facility. Judge Rodibaugh is a shining example of the 
importance of public service, whose tireless contributions provide an 
invaluable service to our community. I am confident that Judge 
Rodibaugh will continue to play a constructive and important role in 
our community, and will continue to serve as a powerful inspiration to 
all of those who come into contact with him.

                          ____________________