[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 113 (Tuesday, September 2, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Pages S8671-S8672]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO DR. ROBERT W. DAY

 Mrs. MURRAY. Mr. President, the Fred Hutchinson Cancer 
Research Center recently marked the end of an era with the retirement 
of its visionary president and director, Dr. Robert W. Day.
  In 1981, Dr. Day took over leadership of the center from its founding 
director, Dr. Bill Hutchinson. It was a time of painful transition for 
the young research facility. In Dr. Day, the center had a new leader 
who possessed the administrative skills, broad scientific perspective, 
ambitious vision and fiery passion needed to guide the center through 
this critical period. During Dr. Day's 16 year tenure, the center 
transformed from a local medical facility to one of the world's most 
respected cancer research facilities.
  There are many legacies of Dr. Day's remarkable leadership. Perhaps 
the most visible is the magnificent South Lake Union research facility. 
Other prominent reminders are the many biotechnology firms that have 
been spawned by research conducted at the Hutchinson Center.
  Among Dr. Day's most important legacies are his contributions to 
cancer policy. He is credited with pioneering the integration of public 
health and cancer research, which had primarily focused on basic and 
clinical research. He played a key role in launching and expanding the 
preventive program at the Centers for Disease Control. He is largely 
responsible for the Hutchinson Center being awarded the Nation's first 
cancer prevention research unit. Public education was also an important 
priority for Dr. Day, and he undertook the strengthening of the Cancer 
Information Service.

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  Because of his tremendous experience, Dr. Day has been widely sought 
out to fill advisory roles. In addition to his duties at Fred 
Hutchinson, Dr. Day has served on a number of influential national 
boards, including the National Cancer Advisory Board, the President's 
Cancer Advisory Council and countless peer-review committees. He is 
also a past president of the national Coalition for Cancer Research and 
of the American Association of Cancer Institutes.
  Dr. Day has become a much respected figure on Capitol Hill. I 
appreciate the insight he has given me on legislative matters and his 
role in educating Members of this body on the issues surrounding cancer 
research. His influence and respect in the business community has 
helped to make the business community an important partner in cancer 
research efforts.
  Dr. Day is regarded as not only an outstanding administrator and 
scientist, but as an outstanding human being. There can be no doubt 
that his passion for fighting cancer comes from the fact that he is a 
man who genuinely cares about people.
  Dr. Day's well-deserved retirement will leave him time to devote to 
other personal interests. However, even in retirement he will continue 
to lend his considerable talent as a senior adviser to the center.
  While the war against cancer has yet to be won, thanks to Dr. Day's 
remarkable efforts, much progress has been made. He has my lasting 
appreciation for his passionate leadership and his unending faith that 
one day we will win the battle against this terrible disease. He will 
continue to be an inspiration to those who seek to make his vision a 
reality.

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