[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 142 (Tuesday, October 21, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2023]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO REUBEN HARPOLE

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                         HON. THOMAS M. BARRETT

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 21, 1997

  Mr. BARRETT of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, on October 25, the University 
of Wisconsin--Milwaukee [UWM], his family, friends, and admirers will 
celebrate Reuben Harpole's 31 yeas of service to UWM and his lifetime 
of service to Milwaukee.
  I have known Reuben for years, and it is hard to recall a more 
dynamic, engaging personality. These qualities and his love of people 
have guided Reuben through the tough times. In the 1960's, he was not 
daunted by the challenges of selling white businesses advertising space 
in a newspaper serving African-American readers. When racial tension in 
Milwaukee threatened to explode in violence, Reuben did not retreat. He 
enlisted the partnership of a UWM professor, surveyed African-American 
families, learned that their most urgent desire was that their children 
should be able to read, and the two men founded a program at UWM to 
teach them.
  Reuben Harpole's commitment to education is incomparable. He 
established a central city teacher project, was instrumental in the 
foundation of Milwaukee's Harambee Community School and has been a 
driving force at UWM's Center for Urban Community Development for the 
past 31 years. UWM has established in his honor the Reuben Harpole 
Education Scholarship. Every year, the scholarship will help one UWM 
school of education student to reach toward Reuben's goal. I can think 
of no more fitting recognition of Reuben's unique dedication to the 
education of our children.
  Reuben Harpole brings energy and vitality to every undertaking. He 
put the king in networking, and his unabashed enthusiasm is 
irresistibly infectious. I do not doubt for a second that, as he has 
for over 30 years, Reuben Harpole will continue to get things done.




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