[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 2 (Wednesday, January 28, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E30]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      CONGRATULATING GIACOMO LEONE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JERRY WELLER

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 28, 1998

  Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Giacomo Leone 
of La Salle, Illinois on being named the 1997 recipient of the Illinois 
Theater Association's Award of Honor. This award is given in honor of 
individuals for exceptional service to the ITA and the drama 
profession.
  Mr. Leone a speech and drama instructor at Illinois Valley Community 
College has staged over 70 productions in his 21 years at IVCC, and has 
been active in the Illinois Theater Association serving as both 
President and Treasurer. Giacomo Leone's commitment to the arts in 
Illinois and my district can be witnessed through the countless hours 
Giacomo spends working on committees, and through his work as a 
director, playwright and composer at IVCC.
  In 1987 and 1988, Giacomo Leone took his act on the road to 
Northeastern University of Technology in Shenyang in the People's 
Republic of China. There Giacomo taught English, Business 
Communication, and social amenities to Chinese graduate students who 
were going to work in the United States. Mr. Leone also acted as an 
advisor in foreign languages to the university faculty. During his time 
in China, Giacomo used his bilingual skills serving as a liaison 
between the Hong Kong-Illinois office, and the Illinois office in 
Shenyang.
  Through hard work and devotion, Giacomo has shared his love of the 
stage with audiences and students from Illinois and around the world. 
From La Salle to Shenyang, Giacomo Leone's impact on the lives of all 
who know him is not only worthy of recognition by this body, but, his 
commitment to the arts and our children should act as a model for all.
  Mr. Speaker, I applaud Mr. Leone's commitment to the arts, his 
students at IVCC and the local community. At a time when service to the 
community has become more important than ever in enriching the lives of 
our children, Giacomo Leone has stepped forward to do his part.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in saluting Mr. Leone, and I wish him, 
his wife Beth, and their four children the very best.

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