[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 157 (Sunday, November 9, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2293]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO IRSHAD-UI-HAQUE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES E. ROGAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Saturday, November 8, 1997

  Mr. ROGAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a man who has 
exemplified the spirit and determination of what makes American great--
Irshad-UI-Haque. Irshad has built a career as a devoted family man, 
successful entrepreneur, and compassionate community leader. He has 
cleared many hurdles in life, and always come out with a compassion for 
his fellow man and a personal commitment to make a difference.
  In 1960, Irshad come to the United States from Pakistan with very 
little money and speaking very little English. However, he was not 
deterred. He labored exhaustingly long hours in a sweatshop for a 
paltry $1.00 per hour. With an eye on his future, he dedicated himself 
to learning English, pursuing an academic career, and working to make 
the most of his future.
  Irshad attended classes when not working, and moved on from Pasadena 
City College to the University of Southern California, where he earned 
a degree in business. Following graduation, Irshad spent over 10 years 
working for the Xerox Corp. where his talent was quickly recognized.
  In 1972, Irshad and his wife took a gamble. They opened Bantam 
Associates and eventually turned a family-owned property management 
company into the parent of one of the largest storage and archive 
management firms in the Nation. He will quickly shy away from claiming 
too much success for his achievements, the biggest credit he will pay 
to his wife and his daughters.
  Irshad leads by example, and has been deeply involved in many 
philanthropic organizations. He has dedicated his time and resources to 
the Los Angeles Police Department, the Boy Scouts of America, various 
chambers of commerce and service organizations, and to health care 
agencies serving the elderly and poor. Because of his many acts of 
service, Irshad was awarded the Glendale Man of Achievement Award last 
week by the Glendale News Press.
  Irshad Haque has taken his thread of knowledge, determination, and 
compassion and woven it into a shinning example of what makes our 
country whole. In recognition of his selection for the Man of 
Achievement honor, and in gratitude for his service to his community, I 
ask my colleagues here today to join me in thanking and congratulating 
a great American, Irshad-UI-Haque.