[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 158 (Monday, November 10, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2303]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO MARILYN DONLIN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SANDER M. LEVIN

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Sunday, November 9, 1997

  Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an educator, 
and an exceptional community activist, Marilyn Donlin of Warren, MI.
  I have known Marilyn Donlin and her husband Bert for many, many 
years. We first became acquainted through democratic Party activities 
in Metropolitan Detroit. I have since had the good fortune and pleasure 
of renewing our friendship and working relationship beginning in 1992, 
when I was first elected to represent the city of Warren in the new 
12th congressional district.
  After graduating from Cass Technical High School in Detroit, Marilyn 
Donlin received a bachelor of philosophy from the University of Detroit 
and a masters of arts from Saginaw Valley State University. In addition 
to her involvement in high school and college with the concert and 
marching bands, no one would be surprised to learn that Marilyn chose 
the debate team and national forensic league as her other 
extracurricular activities.
  While Marilyn Donlin taught school for Warren's Fitzgerald Public 
Schools from 1957 to 1955, her pioneering spirit and strong personality 
assured that Marilyn would be a leader in her community. While serving 
as president of the Fitzgerald Education Association, [MEA-NEA] from 
1984 to 1995, when she spoke of her work, her focus was on the children 
she taught, their individual lives and struggles.
  Marilyn Donlin's institutional knowledge of community politics and 
activities is unparalleled. Her participation in Democratic Party 
activities are too numerous to name, spanning decades in the Metro 
Detroit community. Yet, even a chronological list of her involvement 
wouldn't do justice to the role Marilyn has played over the years. She 
is a leader. She is an organizer. She is a mentor. She is truly a 
pioneer and has been an important progressive force in her community.
  Certainly, the results of her work and activism have benefitted 
individuals in her community--she cares about people and the issues 
which impact their lives. However, Marilyn's prominent role in politics 
and public life have had an impact far beyond policy and government 
action. She has played a significant part in advancing the role of 
women in politics and public service. She has done this quietly, yet 
effectively. I know she realizes the importance of this achievement and 
I hope she realizes the tremendous impact she has had.
  It has been my sincere pleasure to work with Marilyn Donlin through 
the years. I wish her the best as she embarks upon her third 
retirement. There is no doubt that as she immerses herself in her next 
endeavor, our communities will continue to reap the benefits of her 
work.

                          ____________________