[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 138 (Tuesday, December 7, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2184]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      A TRIBUTE TO ROBERT SANTIAGO

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 7, 2004

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Robert Santiago for his 
dedication to strengthening our neighborhoods and improving the lives 
of our citizens through his work in various community based 
organizations.
  Robert was born in Brooklyn to Norberto and Heriberta Santiago first 
generation immigrant parents who migrated from Puerto Rico during the 
mid 1940's. He attended P.S. 285 and 67, Sands JHS 265 and graduated 
from Eastern District High School. He graduated with honors from Queens 
College where he majored in Political Science with a minor in Spanish. 
After a year at the University of Illinois, College of Law, he returned 
to New York to complete his studies not realizing the journey would 
take an additional 10 years. He eventually graduated from Rutgers 
University School of Law in 1986. In between, Robert became an Army 
officer, did his masters work at Long Island University in economics 
and found time to raise a family of three sons.
  Briefly practicing law in Fort Greene, he discovered that his true 
calling was elsewhere. His employment varied from working in several 
different New York City agencies to owner and operator of several 
business ventures.
  Through the auspices of Colony South Brooklyn Houses, Robert as 
director of educational programs was able to increase the amount of 
funding for their educational and day care programs. Educational 
programs he helped begin for at-risk and homeless youngsters residing 
in East New York and Brownsville communities remain successful and 
continue to operate today. He has also served as a consultant on 
various projects related to community school building and educational 
development in post-secondary education.
  Presently, Robert serves as the executive director of Highland Park 
Community Development Corporation, a community based organization with 
a mandate to develop programs and projects that will help improve the 
quality of life in the northern Brooklyn communities in the areas of 
education, housing, safety, and economic development.
  Mr. Speaker, the record is clear that Robert Santiago has been a 
leader in our community through his consistent efforts to improve the 
quality of life of those in need. As such, he is more than worthy of 
receiving our recognition today, and I urge my colleagues to join me in 
honoring this truly remarkable person.

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