[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 146 (Monday, October 25, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2176]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO ROBERT M. BEREN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEN BENTSEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 25, 1999

  Mr. BENTSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Robert M. Beren, a 
benefactor whose generosity in Houston was recently recognized by the 
renaming of The Hebrew Academy at 5435 S. Braeswood. The school is now 
named Robert M. Beren Academy, in recognition of Mr. Beren's generous 
philanthropic contributions.
  An oil and gas producer from Wichita, Kansas, Mr. Beren's ties to 
Houston run deep. His Houston grandchildren, Irene Beren Jefferson, 
Elizabeth Beren Jefferson, and Alexander Beren Jefferson benefit from 
the education at what will henceforward be known as Robert M. Beren 
Academy. His eldest daughter, Nancy T. Beren, and her husband, Larry S. 
Jefferson, M.D., are both extremely active in the Houston community. 
Following in her father's footsteps, Ms. Beren contributes her time and 
energy to projects and organizations that benefit children and 
families. It is especially fitting that Ms. Beren recently served for 2 
years as President of Robert M. Beren Academy and that Dr. Jefferson 
currently serves on its Board of Education.
  Robert M. Beren's penchant for giving revolves around two principles: 
his philosophy of reinforcing a strong Jewish background and his belief 
in an excellent secular education. By supporting Houston's only modern 
orthodox Jewish day school, Mr. Beren promotes both of these ideals.
  Mr. Beren's own educational history illustrates his love of academic 
challenge. After graduating from Marietta High School in Marietta, 
Ohio, he went on to graduate cum laude from Harvard College with a B.A. 
in Economics. He then graduated with high distinction from Harvard's 
Graduate School of Business Administration. In addition to pursuing his 
personal studies, Robert Beren distinguished himself by serving our 
country as a soldier in the U.S. Army during World War II. His keen 
business sense and organizational talents have served him well as 
President and Chairman of BEREXCO, INC., a successful oil company he 
oversees in Wichita, Kansas.
  Robert Beren is extremely proud of his 13 grandchildren and his four 
children: Nancy T. Beren, Amy Beren Bressman, Julie Beren Platt, and 
Adam E. Beren. He has set a shining example, not only for his own 
family, but also for all of those who strive to give back and benefit 
others. The endless hours and vast resources that Mr. Beren has 
bestowed on religious institutions, civic organizations, and 
institutions of higher learning reveal where his heart lies. He is 
currently Vice-Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Yeshiva University; 
a Member of the Board of Overseers Committee for Harvard College; 
President of the Robert M. Beren Foundation, Inc.; Sole Trustee of the 
Israel Henry Beren Charitable Trust; and Board member of the Ohr Stone 
Institutions of Israel, the Hebrew Congregation, and the Mid-Kansas 
Jewish Appeal. In the past, he has given freely of his time to the 
Wichita Public School System, the Wichita Area Chamber of Commerce, the 
United Way, and the Anti-Defamation League, always with the ideal in 
mind of enhancing his community for the common good.
  Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Mr. Beren on a lifetime of outstanding 
contributions to his community. I especially thank him for making the 
new school building for Houston's Robert M. Beren Academy a reality. 
With Mr. Beren's help, the school will continue to instill in its 
students the knowledge and ideals associated with their Jewish heritage 
while providing an excellent secular education to carry with them 
throughout their lives.

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