[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 152 (Friday, November 22, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2123]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING THERESA SIRICO FOR HER OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE 
                               COMMUNITY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 22, 2002

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today 
to pay tribute to an outstanding member of the New Haven community--
Theresa Sirico. The founder of the Louis and Joan Sirico Center for 
Elders and Families at Southern Connecticut State University, Theresa's 
generosity and compassion will touch the lives of thousands throughout 
Greater New Haven and millions across the country.
  As a child, I knew Louis and Joan Sirico as neighbors and friends, 
working with my parents to enrich our neighborhood. The Siricos were 
both active advocates for our families and our community. Much as my 
own parents, they passed these values to their seven children. Both 
Louis and Joan suffered strokes, left without the abilities to care for 
themselves. In both instances, their family members came together to 
provide them the care they needed through their last days. However, not 
all are fortunate enough to have families who are willing or able to 
take on these challenges.
  With the ``baby boomer'' generation approaching retirement age, more 
and more of our nation's seniors are looking for access to the care and 
companionship they need and rightly deserve. Theresa Sirico, 
recognizing the need for increased interest in geriatric care, took 
action. With a generous donation of a quarter of a million dollars, 
Theresa started the effort to establish a national model for improving 
the quality of life for our seniors. With a large anonymous donation, 
fund-raising efforts, and matching funds from the State Department of 
Higher Education, Theresa's vision of the Louis and Joan Sirico Center 
for Elders and Families became a reality.
  The Sirico Center combines both undergraduate and graduate studies 
with hands-on workshops and seminars. Blending the studies of nursing, 
social work, and public health, the Center will be an invaluable 
resource for those interested in geriatric care. In a time when our 
nation is facing an ever increasing senior population and a lack of 
geriatric health care professionals, the Sirico Center is sure to be an 
asset not only to the Greater New Haven area, but to communities 
throughout the nation. The Sirico Center for Elders and Families will 
not only provide education for health professionals, but will generate 
excitement and interest in the field of geriatric medicine. This is the 
true gift of Theresa Sirico.
  I am honored to rise today to join family, friends, and the staff and 
faculty of the Louis and Joan Sirico Center for Elders and Families in 
extending my deepest thanks and appreciation to Theresa Sirico for her 
outstanding contributions to our community. Seniors and their families 
will benefit greatly from her unique vision and unparalleled 
dedication.

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