[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 85 (Thursday, June 29, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Page S6113]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO R. GENE SMITH

 Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to 
my good friend and philanthropist, R. Gene Smith.
  I have had the privilege of knowing Gene for many years, and have 
always been able to witness his compassion for others on numerous 
occasions. Gene has a kind heart and a giving spirit, and constantly 
thinks of ways to help those less fortunate than himself. Eight years 
ago, he offered another of his generous gifts to a fourth grade class 
in Louisville. In a spectacular show of kindness, Gene promised an all-
expense paid college education to 58 students at Jefferson County's 
poorest school, Engelhard Elementary. The students' part of the deal 
entailed completing high school and gaining acceptance to a post-
secondary college or university. As fourth graders, these children 
probably couldn't grasp the incredible opportunity they were offered 
then, but they certainly understand it now.
  As Gene often does, he went the extra mile on his promise and 
committed to helping each of the 58 students graduate from high school. 
He created the R. Gene Smith Foundation to meet the academic, social, 
and emotional needs of each child. Over the students' eight-year 
journey to graduation, the Foundation served as a haven for the 
children and facilitated learning and personal growth opportunities. In 
spite of numerous obstacles, Gene and his students exceeded 
expectations and recently celebrated the graduation of 31 of the 
original 58 students.
  Gene gave an amazing gift. Not only did Gene provided a free college 
education, but he provided each of the students and their parents with 
compassion, motivation, and peace of mind over the last eight years. He 
prevented 31 sets of parents from having to worry about whether they 
would have the money to pay for their child's education. He provided 31 
students with hope for a bright and successful future.
  Although this latest act of compassion is extraordinary, it is only 
one example of Gene's generosity. Gene chaired fund-raising efforts for 
Neighborhood House, a community center in a poverty-stricken area of 
Portland, Kentucky. He supports a preschool program for underprivileged 
children in Kentucky, called Jump Start. Additionally, he donated $1 
million towards redevelopment of the Louisville waterfront. Gene also 
lends his support to such civic groups as the Speed Art Museum, the 
Cathedral Heritage Foundation, the University of Louisville Hospital 
Foundation, and Greater Louisville, Inc.
  On behalf of myself and my colleagues in the United States Senate, I 
offer heartfelt thanks to Gene for his continuing commitment to helping 
others and a hearty congratulations to the 31 hardworking high school 
graduates.

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