[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 72 (Tuesday, May 18, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Page S5503]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING SAMUEL STROUM

 Mr. GORTON. Mr. President, I submit the following letter to be 
printed in the Record.
  The letter follows:

                                                  U.S. Senate,

                                    Washington, DC, June 19, 1999.
     Mr. Kerry Killinger,
     Honorary Chair, North West Industry Partnership, Seattle, WA.
       Dear Mr. Killinger: tonight, you are gathered to recognize 
     the outstanding accomplishments of Samuel Stroum. Nothing 
     could give me more pleasure than to congratulate my friend, 
     Sam Stroum, the 1999 recipient of the Donnall Thomas Medal of 
     Achievement award. Dr. Thomas was a man of great vision, 
     integrity, determination, and he possessed a strong 
     commitment to helping his fellow citizens. Because Sam 
     personifies these same characteristics, it is only fitting 
     that he should be the recipient of this award.
       For half a century, Sam has been an established leader in 
     our state. Sam has continued to give back to his community in 
     immeasurable and invaluable ways. He has set the tone, led by 
     example, and has propelled his peers to do better. Tonight as 
     Sam is being lauded for his many accomplishments and 
     contributions, I suspect that there as many untold stories 
     where Sam has quietly made a difference.
       In the past decade, our state has experienced tremendous 
     developments in the high-tech industry. From the very 
     beginning, Sam could see the future of that industry and knew 
     how it would benefit Washington. He encouraged its 
     development and became actively involved in expanding the 
     software business in Washington, creating more jobs and 
     spurring unprecedented economic growth.
       More importantly, Samuel understands that there is more to 
     life than business. There is art, community cohesion, and the 
     need and desire to continue one's education. Sam has rescued 
     community centers from financial disaster, expanded art 
     galleries, and raised funds for hundreds of organizations.
       Sam is an invaluable asset to our community for his vision, 
     leadership, and compassion for those in need. I am convinced 
     that Washington state is far better because of him.
           Sincerely,
                                                     Slade Gorton,
     U.S. Senator.

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