[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 144 (Wednesday, October 15, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2038]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING THE LIFE OF DR. SUZANNE INSOOK AHN

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHAEL M. HONDA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 15, 2003

  Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, my colleague Eddie Bernice Johnson and I 
would like to pay tribute to the memory of our dear friend and a 
remarkable woman from Dallas, Dr. Suzanne Insook Ahn.
  Dr. Suzanne Insook Ahn was born in Pusan, South Korea and raised in 
the United States. Dr. Ahn's beginning was very humble. Her father, 
Chai Ho Ahn, had been scratching out a living for his wife and 
children. Their community was so impressed with his intellect they 
collected $143 to send him to a local college to start him on his way 
to become a doctor. The family patriarch never forgot his neighbors and 
friends, and until his retirement, he oflen returned to the village 
loaded with donated pharmaceuticals to treat patients.
  Dr. Ahn joined her father a few years later in the U.S., and quickly 
acclimated to her new home, learning to speak fluent English just eight 
months after her arrival. She was the top student in her class through 
junior high school, and participated in many activities including the 
school debate team. She became an accomplished pianist, and at age 17, 
she entered the North Texas Beauty Contest and won first alternate. 
Upon graduation from high school, she decided to pursue pre-medical 
studies at the University of Texas at Austin. She was also a graduate 
of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School.
  Dr. Ahn was a co-inventor of 23 U.S. medical patents. She was the 
founder of a medical division of a Hi-Tech start-up, and served as its 
president for three years. She was the founder and president of Dallas 
Summit, a group of Dallas women in decisionmaking positions. Dr. Ahn 
served on many boards, including the Texas Air Quality Board, National 
Board of Girls Inc., Women's Center of Dallas, DeGolyer Library of 
Women of the Southwest, and the board of the Hockaday School.
  Dr. Ahn has made it a habit throughout her life to demonstrate that 
Asian Pacific Americans are not ``foreigners,'' but proud Americans. 
She especially believed in the democratic process, supporting 
candidates in their elections and developing close long-lasting 
relationships with them.
  Former Texas Governor Ann Richards appointed Dr. Ahn to the Air 
Control Board during her governorship. Dr. Ahn also became the youngest 
person, and only the second woman, ever to be appointed to the Texas 
State Board of Medical Examiners in its 100-year history.
  Dr. Ahn also knew too well about the negative side of political 
participation. When President Clinton ran for his second term of 
office, the Republicans accused the Democrats of illegal campaign 
contributions, specifically from China. Auditors questioned any 
contributor with an Asian-sounding surname, including Dr. Ahn, about 
their contributions. She was infuriated and let her feelings be known 
to the national media.
  Appearing on ABC's Nightline, Ahn recounted her own experience: ``The 
questions that [the auditor] asked were: one, what is your reported 
income on your tax statement; two, what are your assets; three, are you 
an American citizen?''
  The questions came with threats. The auditor told Ahn that if she did 
not tell them everything that she would be listed as uncooperative and 
her name would be released to the press.
  ``When white men violate campaign finance rules,'' she pointed out, 
``they pay a fine and nobody gets hurt. There is no maligning of the 
entire race. I think there is an incredible double standard here.''
  Last year, Ahn made a surprise appearance at the Asian American 
Journalists Association's national convention meeting in Dallas, where 
she presented the group with a $100,000 endowment, the largest gift the 
organization has ever received.
  Friends and family will miss Dr. Ahn. She leaves behind her husband, 
Dr. Steven Hays, a nephrologist, their 17 year-old son, Foster, and 14 
year-old daughter, Kimberly.
  We are privileged to have had the opportunities to work with Dr. Ahn. 
What was most amazing about her was the hard work and determination she 
had in helping others. Her unmatched passion and love for public 
service will be missed by many. We join the residents of the Dallas/Ft. 
Worth community in extending our condolences to her family. The Great 
State of Texas was fortunate to have had Dr. Ahn, and we all have been 
greatly touched by her courage and life's work.

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