[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 118 (Monday, September 13, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1855-E1856]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  CONGRATULATIONS ON THE NAMING OF THE GLORIA S. WILLIAMS BUILDING AT 
                      WILLIAM PATERSON UNIVERSITY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DONALD M. PAYNE

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 13, 1999

  Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I would like to call to the attention of my 
colleagues here in the House of Representatives a very special event 
which will take place on Tuesday, September 14, 1999. On that date, the 
campus of New Jersey's William Paterson University will undergo a 
transformation which, in itself, exemplifies their commitment to their 
mission of providing quality instruction in an environment of 
leadership and diversity. This transformation is the renaming of one of 
the University buildings in honor of a remarkable person, the late 
Gloria S. Williams. This ceremony marks a truly historic event, the 
first time that a structure has been named for an African-American on 
the campus of William Paterson University.
  Gloria S. Williams, a native of Newark, excelled throughout her 
educational career here in New Jersey. She began her quest for 
knowledge in Newark's public school system and it eventually led her to 
William Paterson University where she received her Bachelor's degree in 
Business Administration with a minor in Economics. Throughout her rich 
life, Gloria S. Williams made certain to place the needs of others 
before those of herself. This selfless behavior was evident in her 
decision to share her knowledge and experiences as a teacher in the 
Paterson School District after her college graduation. Her experiences 
at William Paterson University was not simply limited to an 
undergraduate education. As an undergraduate, Gloria was an employee of 
the University and immediately following graduation she remained with 
the University as a dorm assistant and summer camp coordinator. After 
that, her career at William Paterson flourished. Gloria held many 
important positions including Residence Hall Director, Assistant 
Registrar, and ultimately she was named Associate Director of the 
Advisement Center where she was well known for always having on open 
door. Because of Gloria's rich involvement with others and with William 
Paterson University, it is a fitting tribute that the University chose 
to name a building in her honor. Gloria S. Williams was also very 
active in the church. As a youngster she was a member of St. Luke's 
A.M.E. Church where her parents, Daisy and O'Donnel Williams,

[[Page E1856]]

were lifelong members. While living in Wayne, New Jersey, Gloria joined 
New A.M.E. Zion Church, where she served diligently on the Scholarship 
Committee. After returning to Newark and joining St. James A.M.E. 
Church, Gloria realized her ambition to become a religious counselor.
  Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues join me in congratulating William 
Paterson University as they honor Gloria S. Williams in this way. Her 
life story embodies all the aspects that educational institutions 
strive for--determination, diligence and dedication. By naming a 
building in her honor, William Paterson University will preserve for 
future generations the admirable legacy of a great woman, Gloria S. 
Williams.

                          ____________________