[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 33 (Wednesday, March 22, 2000)]
[House]
[Page H1249]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING DONNIS H. THOMPSON ON 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE NATIONAL WOMEN'S 
                            HISTORY PROJECT

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentlewoman from Hawaii (Mrs. Mink) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mrs. MINK of Hawaii. Mr. Speaker, I am delighted to have this 
opportunity to recognize the achievements of one of Hawaii's 
extraordinary women as we celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the 
National Women's History Project.
  Dr. Donnis H. Thompson virtually founded women's collegiate athletics 
in Hawaii. She was one of the individuals who inspired my authorship of 
federal Title IX legislation by highlighting the inequities in funding 
of women's collegiate sports. During her 30 years at the University of 
Hawaii, Dr. Thompson pioneered numerous health and athletic programs. 
She served as Hawaii's first woman Superintendent of Education, was the 
first Women's Director of Athletics at the University of Hawaii, and 
authored the innovative ``Vision of Excellence,'' a 10-year blueprint 
for public education. Dr. Thompson has been a state and national leader 
in promoting girls and women's participation in sports and in promoting 
civil rights.
  Donnis Thompson is the recipient of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., 
National Outstanding Service Award, a member of the University of 
Hawaii Hall of Fame, and an Honor Fellow of the National Association of 
Girls and Women in Sports. April 15, 1981 was proclaimed as ``Donnis 
Thompson Day'' in the State of Hawaii.
  Donnis is a dear friend and one of the women whose opinion and advice 
I value most highly. Today I celebrate her life of achievement and the 
positive impact she has had on improving opportunity for women in 
Hawaii.

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