[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 135 (Thursday, October 7, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2061]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING IRENE HANSON

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DALE E. KILDEE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 7, 1999

  Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
accomplishments of a woman, who, for nearly 40 years, has worked to 
improve the quality of life for our citizens. On Tuesday, October 12, 
members of Flint's International Institute will gather to present to 
Mrs. Irene Hanson, its prestigious Golden Door Award, given annually to 
an individual who has made a positive impact on the greater Flint 
community and the Institute itself.
  Born in December of 1920, in Breslau, Germany, what is now Wroclaw, 
Poland, Irene spent her early years as an apprentice in a wholesale 
paper company, and upon completing her apprenticeship, remained with 
the company as its bookkeeper.
  After the war, Irene and her family, including her mother and two 
daughters lived in Hanover, West Germany, until the Displaced Persons 
Act brought them to Flint in 1952, under the sponsorship of Calvary 
Lutheran Church. Soon after, a third child, a son, was born.
  After settling in Flint, Irene sought out and forged a relationship 
with the International Institute, a relationship that has continued to 
this day. She has served a great number of roles, including teacher, 
presenter, activities chair, and board member. It is in each of these 
positions that she has excelled in her efforts to enhance the lives of 
those she comes into contact with. Other positions followed, such as in 
1962, where she worked as a receptionist, bookkeeper, and fitter at 
Flint Limb and Brace Company. In 1964, Irene began teaching German for 
Mott Adult Education, which she still continued to do.
  In addition to her work with the International Institute, Irene has 
also been involved and remains active with the German American National 
Congress, the American Association of Teachers of German, and the St. 
Cecilia Society. She has also been an avid supporter of the Flint 
Institute of Music, Flint Institute of Arts, and the Sloan Museum.
  Mr. Speaker, I am always fascinated by stories such as Irene 
Hanson's. Through tremendous adversity, she was able to fulfill the 
true American Dream, and find success in her new homeland. She is truly 
an inspiration to all who come into contact with her. I ask my 
colleagues in the 106th Congress to please join me to congratulate and 
wish Irene the very best.

                          ____________________