[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.

                          ____________________