[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 77 (Wednesday, May 26, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1096]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            McGOWAN HONORED

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. PAUL E. KANJORSKI

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 26, 1999

  Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a close 
friend and a community and spiritual leader in Northeastern 
Pennsylvania, Monsignor Andrew J. McGowan. A community-wide celebration 
will honor Monsignor McGowan in June for his Golden Jubilee of 
Ordination. I am extremely pleased and proud to have been asked to 
participate in this significant milestone for a man who is a true 
treasure in our community.
  A native of the area, Monsignor McGowan is fond of saying that his 
claim to fame is his famous brother, William McGowan, the founder of 
MCI. But those of us who know Monsignor McGowan know that he has made 
his own legacy in Northeastern Pennsylvania. He helped found Leadership 
Wilkes-Barre. He served as Community Affairs director for all the 
hospitals and colleges in the diocese of Scranton. He served as the 
vice-chair of Allied Services Hospital Foundation, the Commission on 
Economic Opportunity, and the Heinz Institute of Rehab medicine. He has 
served on so many community Boards of Directors that the list is too 
long for me to recount today. He has been a strong supporter of the new 
Luzerne County Arena since its inception and he currently sits on the 
Arena's Board of Directors.
  Mr. Speaker, Monsignor McGowan is most renowned for his skill in 
public speaking and is the most sought-after speaker in Northeastern 
Pennsylvania, sharing his famous humor and insight with his audiences. 
Politicians such as myself who regularly attend the countless community 
events emceed by Monsignor McGowan look forward to his trenchant 
observations on life in Northeastern Pennsylvania, even though we know 
we are fair game for his good-natured, but barbed, wit. Even 
nationally-known humorist Regis Philbin once found himself upstaged by 
this deceptively-gentle man of the cloth.
  This is not the first time Monsignor McGowan has been honored in this 
chamber, nor in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Among the many honors that 
have been awarded to him are the Distinguished Service Award of the 
Hospital Association of Pennsylvania, the B'nai Brith Americanism 
award, and the 1994 Award of Excellence of the Independent Colleges and 
Universities of Pennsylvania.
  I have been privileged to work with this fine and distinguished 
individual many times before and after my election to Congress. His 
leadership, compassion, and understanding have always been an 
inspiration to me. Mr. Speaker, in addition to being among Monsignor 
McGowan's legion of admirers, I am very proud to call him a good 
friend. I send my most sincere best wishes for his continued good 
health and success, and join with the community in thanking him for his 
dedication to the people of Northeastern Pennsylvania.

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