[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 135 (Saturday, November 20, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2092]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           IN MEMORY AND TRIBUTE TO THE LATE WILLIAM M. BURKE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 19, 2004

  Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life of the late William 
M. Burke, who passed away recently after a brief illness. Mr. Burke was 
the founder of the Washington Center for Internships and Academic 
Seminars in 1975, and he served as the President until his passing.
  Mr. Burke's tireless work in developing the ever-widening circle of 
influence of the Washington Center has empowered thousands of young 
people to discover the leadership qualities that they already have and 
to nurture those talents through experiential education both here and 
abroad. Bill Burke believed that young people should embrace the values 
of self-respect, courage, ethics, teamwork, and leadership. These were 
some of the values that Bill himself demonstrated in his own life.
  Mr. Burke sought to educate the leaders of tomorrow by exposing them 
to the leaders of today. Members of every branch of government, foreign 
dignitaries, corporate CEOs, academic leaders, and over 33,000 alumni 
have forged partnerships with the Washington Center over the years. The 
alumni of the Center have reached some of the highest levels in the 
public and private sectors.
  Bill Burke addressed divisive shortcomings in equal access to the 
Washington Center by leading the development of the Internship 
Initiative for Students with Disabilities, the Native American Program, 
the Diversity in Congress Program, the Minority Leaders Fellowship 
Program, the Women as Leaders Program, and the NAFTA Internship 
Program, as well as a growing international program. I have been a 
supporter of the Cordova Congressional Internship Program, which brings 
20 Puerto Rican students into congressional offices to live and learn 
about life in the United States.
  Bill Burke has embodied the most honorable models as a mentor, 
teacher, father, and husband. We extend our condolences to his wife 
Sheila, and to his two children Barry and Reavey, and to his colleagues 
and friends, in whose lives will now exist a vacuum once filled by a 
great man. And to all people who have felt the extent of Mr. Burke's 
passion for empowering the young people of this nation to achieve great 
things, continue to embody the values that Mr. Burke endeavored to 
instill in you. Mr. Speaker, let us as a Body recognize the legacy of 
Bill Burke, and honor his memory here today.

                          ____________________