[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 37 (Tuesday, April 5, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E532]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING THE SERVICE OF BILL MARTIN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN D. DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, April 5, 2005

  Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to an outstanding 
citizen of my district who will be receiving special recognition soon 
for a lifetime of service to his community.
  William C. ``Bill'' Martin is best known for his leadership as 
Director of Intercollegiate Athletics for the University of Michigan in 
Ann Arbor. But his work in the Washtenaw County community goes far 
beyond his work in the field of sports.
  Whether creating First Martin Corporation for real estate 
development, founding the Bank of Ann Arbor, creating a three-on-three 
basketball tournament to raise money for the public schools or helping 
rebuild Isle Royale's ranger station on Lake Superior, Bill Martin has 
been a community leader whose work has benefited thousands of his 
fellow citizens.
  On several occasions, Bill has been asked to step in and help turn 
around troubled programs, including both the UM Athletic Department and 
the U.S. Olympic Committee. In both cases, his hard work and leadership 
helped right the ship and get things moving forward. That metaphor is 
quite appropriate, since Bill also has had a very successful 
competitive career in sailing and has contributed time and energy to 
the sport, both nationally and internationally.
  He also has served with distinction on the board of his alma mater, 
Wittenberg University and also spent many years on the Washtenaw Land 
Conservancy Board, including ten years as president. He also has been a 
member of the advisory board for the University of Michigan Center for 
the Education of Women.
  On May 2, 2005 the Jewish Federation of Washtenaw County will present 
Bill with its Humanitarian Award, an honor bestowed every other year to 
an outstanding citizen of the community. Bill Martin is truly one of 
those deserving citizens, and I ask my colleagues to join me in 
congratulating him on this upcoming award and thanking him for his 
outstanding leadership in Michigan and around the nation.

                          ____________________