[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 166 (Monday, November 17, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2304]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             TRIBUTE TO DR. YJEAN CHAMBERS OF GARY, INDIANA

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                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, November 17, 2003

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker it is with great remorse that I rise today 
to pay tribute to one of Gary, Indiana's most dedicated and caring 
citizens, Dr. YJean Chambers. YJean passed away on Wednesday, November 
12th at Methodist Hospital after a longtime illness. Her efforts as a 
distinguished educator as well as her numerous contributions to her 
community are worthy of the highest commendation and recognition.
  YJean and her family moved to Gary, Indiana from Kentucky when she 
was a young girl, seeking a better life for themselves. In 1939, she 
graduated from Gary Roosevelt High School ranking second in her class, 
and then went on to earn her Bachelor of Education degree from Illinois 
State University. She also went on to earn her Master of Arts degree 
from Purdue University, where she received Purdue University's highest 
award, Doctor of Humane Letters in 1993.
  YJean knew how important education was to all members of her 
community and therefore shared her gift of knowledge and enthusiasm for 
learning by becoming a teacher in Madison, Illinois. After two years 
she began teaching speech and drama at her alma mater, Gary Roosevelt 
High School. In 1971, YJean became a full time professor at Purdue 
Calumet in Hammond, Indiana where she taught communications and was 
appointed Assistant Professor of Communications in 1973.
  YJean gave selflessly to her community in so many ways, including 
being a member of several volunteer and service organizations. She 
served as President of the Steel City Hall of Fame, sat on the Service 
Academies Nomination Board, was a member of the Board of Trustees of 
the Gary Community Schools, and was also a member of the Board of 
Directors of the Indiana School Board Association. YJean made history 
in Northwest Indiana by becoming the first African American woman 
elected to the Northwest Indiana Crime Commission and the first woman 
to serve on the Advisory Board of the Bank of Indiana.
  Although she dedicated her life to serving her community, YJean never 
limited the time she gave to her loving family. She is survived by her 
husband Mr. Herman Chambers, and their son Lanel.
  Mr. Speaker, YJean Chambers was a caring and committed woman who gave 
of herself in so many ways to her community. I respectfully ask that 
you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in paying tribute to 
Dr. YJean Chambers, she will be remembered honorably and truly missed.

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