[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 27 (Thursday, February 13, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E232]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO RUSSELL D. SERZEN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 12, 2003

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with honor that I recognize Mr. 
Russell D. Serzen of Durango, Colorado. Russell was a man of absolute 
integrity and strength. His conviction and dedication to Fort Lewis 
College's Community Concert Hall was a great asset, and yielded great 
benefits to his community. At this time, I would like to pay tribute to 
Russell's life and accomplishments.
  Mr. Serzen was born in Chicago, in 1933. He attended the University 
of Illinois, where he played hockey and baseball. He was named Most-
Valuable-Player in baseball in 1954, and that same year he signed a 
contract with the New York Yankees. His baseball career was cut short 
in 1956, as he entered the Army. He was the first baseball player to be 
introduced into the University of Illinois's Hall of Fame. On September 
19, 1950, Russell married Elizabeth Hanson. The two were blessed with 
three children. During his youth, Mr. Serzen was a medical supply 
salesman and a founding member of the Institute for Orthopaedic 
Enlightenment.
  In 1989, Mr. Sezen retired to Durango, Colorado. Once he was there, 
he became a strong supporter of Fort Lewis College's Community Concert 
Hall. He was always doing something to promote the community's interest 
in the Concert Hall, from organizing pledge drives to helping with the 
program planning. While living in Durango, his passions included jazz 
and handball. It was this passion for jazz that lead him to become so 
involved with the Community Concert Hall. Through his many efforts, 
Fort Lewis College's Community Concert Hall has grown in strength and 
in renown.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I recognize Mr. Russell D. 
Serzen before this body of Congress and this nation. His advocacy for 
the Performing Arts in Western Colorado has helped establish a strong 
tradition of music and its appreciation. His memory will live on in the 
lives of his family, his friends, and the many people who were touched 
by his life.

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