[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 45 (Tuesday, April 11, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E528]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING DOCTOR ROCCO ORLANDO FOR OUTSTANDING SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 11, 2000

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to rise today 
and join the Italian American Historical Society of Greater New Haven 
as they pay tribute to one of our community's outstanding citizens, my 
cousin, Dr. Rocco Orlando. This evening family, friends, and colleagues 
will gather as Rocco is honored with this year's Distinguished Service 
Award.
  I often speak of our Nation's need for talented, creative, 
enthusiastic teachers who are ready to help our children learn and 
grow. Rocco is just that kind of educator. Throughout his career he has 
touched the lives of children from elementary school to college. His 
career culminated as he was appointed as a professor in the Sixth Year 
Graduate Program in Educational Leadership at Southern Connecticut 
State University--charged with preparing students for administrative 
positions in public school systems themselves.
  Public education is the cornerstone of the American dream, leveling 
the playing field and providing every child with the opportunity to 
make the most of his or her talents. It is talented professionals like 
Rocco who truly shape the leaders of tomorrow. His unique dedication to 
education extends outside the classroom into the community itself. 
Rocco has long been affiliated with the New Haven Scholarship fund, 
currently serving as vice president, enabling hundreds of needy 
students to continue their education.
  Shortly after the Connecticut General Assembly passed a collective 
bargaining law in 1966, Rocco began to study the effectiveness of the 
provided mediation process. His doctoral dissertation studied the 
collective bargaining negotiations between teacher organizations and 
Boards of Education in Connecticut. His extensive research led to his 
appointments, which he continues to hold, as an Arbitrator with the 
Connecticut State Board of Arbitration and Mediation, the Connecticut 
Board of Education and the Office of Policy and Management of the State 
of Connecticut. Rocco has worked diligently to ensure that the concerns 
and goals of employees and management are heard in a fair and just 
forum--helping to create an environment which meets the best interests 
of all Connecticut residents.
  Today, as Rocco is honored with this very special award, I would like 
to express my deepest thanks and appreciation for his tireless efforts 
on behalf of our young people. He has made a real difference in the 
lives of many, leaving an indelible mark on our children and community. 
I am honored to join with his wife, Rae; children, Lisa and her husband 
Michael, Rocco and his wife, Joanne; grandchildren, Laura, Alexander, 
and Rocco; family; friends; colleagues; and the Italian American 
Historical Society to congratulate Rocco as the recipient of this 
year's Distinguished Service Award. His remarkable contributions are a 
reflection of the very spirit of this award.

                          ____________________