[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 71 (Tuesday, May 22, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E883]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING BILL AND JULIE ESREY
______
HON. KAREN McCARTHY
of missouri
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, May 22, 2001
Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor two of
my constituents from Kansas City who recently have been recognized for
their outstanding contributions to their community.
William T. Esrey, Chairman and CEO of Sprint Corporation, and his
wife Julie Esrey have been awarded the 2001 Star Award by the Kansas
City Starlight Theater. The Starlight Theater is Kansas City's largest
and oldest performing arts organization and is the second largest
theatre of its kind in the United States. Founded in 1950, the
Starlight Theatre is now in its 51st season.
This distinguished Star Award was presented the Esreys, who are
Honorary Co-Chairs for the 15th Annual Starlight Theatre Benefit Gala
on Saturday, May 19, 2001. The Star Award is given to honor those
individuals who have made outstanding contributions and dedicated long-
time service to Kansas City, making a difference in the community. The
Esreys are honored with this award through countless hours worked in
the community to help benefit an extensive list of community service
organizations.
Under Bill Esrey's leadership, the Sprint Foundation has been a major
benefactor of The Starlight Theater. Additionally over the past five
years alone, Sprint has donated more than $17 million in Sprint
Foundation contributions and matching grants to organizations in
greater Kansas City. Mr. Esrey also spearheaded the drive that raised
millions of dollars for the rehabilitation of Union Station and the
development of Science City, including $9 million in Sprint
contributions since 1991.
Julie Esrey has worked both for Exxon and as an international
economist for the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, as well as serving
on the boards of Bank IV (Kansas), Duke University and Brown Shoe. In
Kansas City, she has served as honorary Chairman, American Cancer
Society Gala; Honorary Chairman, Lyric Opera Ball; Chairman, Children's
Mercy Golf Classic; Chairman, March of Dimes Gourmet Gala; and Honorary
Chairman, KCPT Speaking of Women's Health for 2001, as well as serving
on the Central Governing Board of Children's Mercy Hospital from 1989
through 1995.
During Bill Esrey's tenure as CEO, Sprint has grown into a $23
billion worldwide communications force and was named the most admired
communications company in Fortune Magazine's survey of corporate
reputation. Business Week named Esrey as one of the ``Top 25'' business
executives in the world in 1997. Bill Esrey joined Sprint, then known
as United Telecommunications, Inc., in 1980 as Executive Vice President
of Corporate Planning. In 1984, Esrey led the effort to fundamentally
reposition the company by entering the long distance market and
building the nation's first all-digital fiber optic network. Today
Sprint is a leader in the communications industry, which has emerged as
one of the growth engines for the overall U.S. economy. Currently, Bill
Esrey serves on the boards of Exxon-Mobil Corporation, Duke Energy
Corporation and General Mills, Inc. He also is chairman of the Business
Council and a member of The Business Roundtable.
In addition to their dedication to the community and their careers,
Bill and Julie are dedicated to each other and their family. Married
since 1964, they have two grown children, Bill Jr. and John, who have
participated in many local activities and follow in their parent's
footsteps in giving back to the community.
Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in congratulating Bill and Julie
Esrey on receiving the 2001 Star Award. Their dedication to the Kansas
City community and their family is an example to all of us of the
difference individuals can achieve who have dedicated their lives to
making the world a better place. Thank you Bill and Julie.
____________________