[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 150 (Friday, October 31, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2156]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO BRUCE BENSON

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BOB SCHAFFER

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 31, 1997

  Mr. BOB SCHAFFER of Colorado. Mr. Speaker, in 1994 I received the 
Republican nomination for Lieutenant Governor of Colorado, thus earning 
the privilege of running for office on the ticket of Mr. Bruce Benson 
of Denver. This experience allowed me the opportunity to build a 
friendship that is very important to me with a true Coloradan who 
embodies the genuine spirit of the West.
  Mr. Benson and his wife Mary are the most generous people I know. 
Their devotion to the people of Colorado is legendary. In particular, 
Bruce's dedication to the State's higher education system has spanned 
official, voluntary, and professional capacity.
  Once chairman of the Colorado Republican party, Mr. Benson continues 
to express his love for Colorado's picturesque vistas, wildlife, and 
environment through political activism and community leadership. His 
commitment to economic expression, job creation, public safety, and 
economic opportunity is seconded only by his interest in improving the 
quality of education for all Colorado children.
  Mr. Speaker, I am blessed to know Bruce Benson as a friend, but more 
importantly, as a Coloradan. Clearly, his leadership in Colorado 
continues to inspire many and ensure greater hope and optimism for 
generations to come.
  Mr. Speaker, the Denver Post, yesterday, published an editorial 
commentary praising the many contributions of Bruce Benson. I first 
commend the Post and further submit its comment for the Record.

                 [From the Denver Post, Oct. 30, 1997].

                          Benson Builds Legacy

       With today's dedication of the Benson Earth Sciences 
     Building at the University of Colorado in Boulder, former GOP 
     gubernatorial candidate Bruce Benson translates his long 
     history of service to CU into the most tangible of 
     contributions: a building in which young people can learn.
       The naming of the building commemorates Benson's leadership 
     of the fund-raising drive that made the $14.5 million 
     building possible, as well as a substantial contribution from 
     the Benson family. Nor will Benson rest on his laurels. He 
     and his wife, Marcy, have also agreed to spearhead the 
     campaign to raise more than $271 million to support CU 
     President John Buechner's ambitious Total Learning 
     Environment initiative.
       A 1964 graduate of CU, Benson received his degree in 
     petroleum geology.
       He is now the owner and president of Benson Mineral Group, 
     but perhaps more importantly, he is also a consistent 
     contributor--of time and energy, as well as money--to 
     Colorado's civic well-being. His activities as both state 
     chairman and candidate for the state Republican Party have 
     won the headlines, but the range and depth of his activity 
     are awesome. He's served not only in the public realm but in 
     private philanthropy, as well. His chairmanship of the state 
     commission on higher education from 1986-1989 underscores his 
     sustaining interest in higher education. He is chairman of 
     both the Denver Zoological Foundation and Boy Scouts of 
     America in the area. Other beneficiaries of Benson's 16-hour-
     day energies include the Denver Botanic Gardens, Arthritis 
     Foundation, Denver Museum of Natural History, Safe City 
     Foundation and the University of Denver.
       We congratulate both the University of Colorado, which is 
     adding a vital new learning center and launching an important 
     effort to further enhance its program, and Bruce Benson, who 
     has added a crowning credit to a noteworthy career of 
     service.

  Again, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Benson is a great Coloradan and certainly 
worthy of being honored and considered by the House as an exemplary 
American.

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