[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 27 (Thursday, February 13, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E267-E268]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO ROGER L. REISHER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 13, 2003

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with a great sense of pride that I 
honor Roger L. Reisher of Lakewood, Colorado. Mr. Reisher's 
entrepreneurial endeavors and ambitious goals led him to found 
FirstBank forty years ago, creating the largest banking organization in 
Colorado. His ambitions to succeed, and his community involvement, have 
made Roger a valuable asset to the Lakewood community.
  Roger was one of seven children, and became the first person in his 
family to attend college. He graduated from the University of Colorado 
with aid from the GI Bill, after serving in the Army. After gaining 
some experience in banking, Roger moved to Lakewood and eagerly began a 
new endeavor in 1963 when he opened First Westland National Bank. His 
business has created positions for 2,000 employees at over 100 offices, 
making a difference in their lives as well.
  In 1988, Roger's colleagues created the FirstBank Scholars program at 
CU. This program has created an endowment of over $1.6 million that is 
funded by FirstBank employees

[[Page E268]]

along with matching company contributions. These scholarships are made 
available to those with financial need and leadership capabilities, and 
are disbursed annually at the University of Colorado and the University 
of Northern Colorado.
  In addition to the FirstBank Scholars program, Roger and his family 
have created the Family Foundation. The Family Foundation works with 
the Denver Foundation and has funded scholarships for almost 100 
students. Roger's commitment to helping students achieve educational 
excellence is admirable. He has also served in several leadership 
positions within the community.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with great privilege that I recognize Roger L. 
Reisher before this body of Congress and this nation today. Mr. 
Reisher's commitment to the banking industry, as well as his 
contributions to the educational success of students in Colorado, have 
been immeasurably beneficial to numerous Coloradoans.

                          ____________________