[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 105 (Monday, July 29, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1431-E1432]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      RECOGNIZING THE MAGNIFICENT WORK OF DR. PAUL PHILLIPS COOKE

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON

                      of the district of columbia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 26, 2002

  Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, Today, in the Congressional Record on behalf 
of the citizens of the District of Columbia and the Washington, DC 
Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., I recognize Dr. 
Paul Phillips Cooke for his efforts and successes in the field of 
education.
  I count it a privilege to acknowledge Dr. Cooke's dedicated service 
to the District of Columbia and our nation. The citizens of Washington, 
DC have been privileged to have a leader like him in the vanguard 
promoting the advancement of our great city. With a congratulatory 
letter, I recently joined the Kappas at a Tribute to Dr. Paul Phillips 
Cooke, and noted his commitment to the enhancement of education in the 
District of Columbia.
  Dr. Cooke was born on June 29, 1917, in New York City. His father and 
mother were born in Washington, DC, as well as his paternal grandfather 
and great grandmother. He attended public schools of the District of 
Columbia from 1st grade through high school. Dr. Cooke received his 
Bachelor's degree (cum laude) in English, from Miner Teachers College, 
Master's degrees from New York University, and the Catholic University 
of America, and his Doctorate in Education from Columbia University. He 
served as Professor of English from 1954 to 1974, at the District of 
Columbia Teachers College and as its President from 1966 to 1974. He 
received from the University of the District of Columbia the Doctor of 
Laws degree honoris causa in 1986.
  During his distinguished educational journey, Dr. Cooke also was a 
teacher of English at Brown Junior High School, and at Phelps 
Vocational School, on the faculty in English at Miner Teachers College, 
and a lecturer at Trinity and Gallaudet Colleges, and Howard, American, 
George Washington, and Georgetown Universities.
  A scholar, author of more than 200 publications and papers, lecturer, 
historian, and international statesman, Dr. Cooke has won the 
admiration and respect of his colleagues, associates, and friends for 
his many years of dedicated service. He has been a member of Kappa 
Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., since 1935, and is the recipient of the 
Laurel Wreath, the Fraternity's highest award.
  Dr. Cooke served as Deputy Council Member of the World Veterans 
Federation, Consultant to the World Peace Through Law Conferences and 
as Chairman of the International Affairs Commission, American Veterans 
Committee and is a member of the Washington, D.C. Hall of Fame. His 
past and current memberships also include the Girard Street Block 
Association, the Shrine of the Sacred Heart R.C. Church, the Washington 
Torch Club, the Catholic Interracial Council of the District of 
Columbia, the Washington City Breakfast Group, the Cosmos Club, and the 
NAACP. For more than 50 years, ``Corporal'' Cooke, who served in the US 
Army Air Corps, has been a member of the American Veterans Committee.

[[Page E1432]]

  Since 1940, Dr. Cooke has been married to the former Rose M. 
Clifford. Their four children have earned six college degrees.
  The achievements of Dr. Paul Phillips Cooke serve as an inspiration 
for us all as we work to expand educational opportunities in the 
nation's capital. It is important that he be praised by the community 
at large. As the Congresswoman for the District of Columbia, I applaud 
Dr. Cooke's commitment to step into the breach and provide 
opportunities, options and hope, and give my best wishes for continued 
success in his important work.

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