[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 150 (Thursday, December 7, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2154]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING MARILYN CULPEPPER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SONNY CALLAHAN

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 7, 2000

  Mr. CALLAHAN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Marilyn 
Culpepper for her dedication to the health and well being of Monroe 
County, Alabama, citizens.
  Marilyn Culpepper was appointed to the Monroe County Hospital Board 
in July 1996 and elected its chairwoman by unanimous vote of the board 
a few months later. She served as chairwoman from 1997 to 2000. Mrs. 
Culpepper has since moved to Mobile, and I wish her well as she takes 
on new challenges.
  A native of Grove Hill, Alabama, Mrs. Culpepper is a 1980 graduate of 
the University of West Alabama (formerly Livingston University) and was 
the recipient of that school's Alumni of the Year Award in 1996.
  Over the years, she has had several successful careers and civic 
achievements. In 1986, at age 27, she was elected to the Sumter County 
Board of Education. She was elected a second time in 1988 and served 
with distinction until moving to Monroe County in 1991.
  In Monroe County, Marilyn Culpepper served first as associate editor, 
then managing editor of the award-winning weekly newspaper, The Monroe 
Journal. She also distinguished herself through community service in 
several capacities. To name a few, she was president and/or board 
member of the Monroeville Area Chamber of Commerce, the Monroe County 
Public Education Foundation, and the Monroeville Kiwanis Club (where 
she was the first woman elected as ``Kiwanian of the Year''). She also 
served as a volunteer for the Monroe County Heritage Museums, and for 
the Alabama Writers Symposium during their inaugural year. In addition, 
she served in Israel as the representative of the Monroe County 
Commission and the Monroeville Area Chamber of Commerce during 
performances of ``To Kill a Mockingbird.'' Manifesting her talent, Mrs. 
Culpepper is a two-time recipient of the Alabama Medical Association's 
Douglas L. Cannon Recognition for Excellence in Medical Journalism.
  As editor of The Monroe Journal and, later, economic developer for 
Monroe County from 1997-2000 and as chairwoman of the Monroe County 
Hospital Board, Mrs. Culpepper was an advocate for accessible health 
care for all citizens regardless of age, social or economic status. She 
was a driving force behind expansion of hospital services and creation 
of a rural health clinic in Monroe County.
  Under Mrs. Culpepper's leadership, the hospital in Monroeville 
embarked on a major expansion and construction project, the creation of 
a cancer-treatment center and the development of a diabetes support 
program. She also oversaw the creation of the Monroe Health Foundation 
and has been a contributor to the foundation.
  Today, Mrs. Culpepper serves as executive director of the Historic 
Mobile Preservation Society. Her commitment to community development--
preservation, education, and innovation in enriching the lives of all 
citizens continues. She is committed to developing a regional network 
of cultural, civic and humanitarian efforts to benefit all residents of 
south Alabama and continues to be a friend to Monroe County and Monroe 
County Hospital in this endeavor.