[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 166 (Tuesday, December 4, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2196-E2197]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 TRIBUTE TO DR. ROSE BELLANCA ``2001 WOMAN OF THE YEAR'' COLUMBUS DAY 
                              CELEBRATION

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DAVID E. BONIOR

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 4, 2001

  Mr. BONIOR. Mr. Speaker, each year the Italian American community 
celebrates Columbus Day, with festivities including a weekend of food, 
music, and fun, as well as an annual Columbus Day Parade and Banquet. 
With organizations and committees dedicated to promoting and preserving 
the Italian-American heritage through language, culture, music, and 
social events, the Columbus Day Committee is no exception. Honoring 
distinguished Italian-Americans who have shown outstanding service in 
their local communities, each year the Columbus Day Committee selects 
individuals who demonstrate these qualities. On Sunday, October 7, as 
the families and friends gathered together at their annual Columbus Day 
Banquet, they recognized Dr. Rose Bellanca their ``2001 Woman of the 
Year''.
  Demonstrating outstanding dedication and commitment to her students, 
her colleagues, and her community, Dr. Rose Bellanca has always been an 
active and enthusiastic supporter of education and advancement. 
Beginning her teaching career in 1973 at Fitzgerald High School in 
Macomb County, a short nine years later she was the first woman serving 
as the Director of Vocational-Technical Education in Macomb County 
while working for the Chippewa Valley School District. Her hard work 
and relentless pursuit for excellence in education led her to become 
Assistant to the President of Macomb Community College, where she 
served as Interim Vice President for Student and Community Relations 
and later Vice President for Planning and Development. Today, as 
Provost of Macomb Community College, her strong focus on students 
continues to be her priority, and her hard work and innovative ideas 
continue to make her a leader in educational advancement.
  Faithfully committed to promoting her Italian American heritage as 
well, Dr. Bellanca is also an active member of the American Italian 
Professional and Business Women's Club and the Americans of Italian 
Origin Society. She has received the Macomb County Woman of Distinction 
Award by the Girl Scouts of Macomb County, as she is truly a role model 
for young women and young Italian American women. A devoted mother and 
wife of 30 years, a professional, and a friend, Dr. Bellanca truly is 
this year's ``Woman of the Year''.

[[Page E2197]]

  I applaud the 2001 Columbus Day Committee and Dr. Bellanca for their 
leadership, commitment, and service, and I urge my colleagues to join 
me in saluting them for their exemplary years, of leadership and 
service.

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