[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 153 (Thursday, November 17, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2389]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING RICHARD WITTEN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. NITA M. LOWEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 17, 2005

  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Richard Witten, this 
year's recipient of Columbia University's Alexander Hamilton Medal. 
This honor is considered the highest tribute an individual in the 
Columbia College community may receive from the alumni association.
  Richard is a proud alumnus, established businessman, published 
author, generous philanthropist and distinguished member of the 
Columbia University administration. Richard currently serves as a 
member of the Executive Committee of the Columbia University Board of 
Trustees; chairs the Trustees' Committee on Alumni Relations and 
Development; and is a member of the board of the Columbia University 
Investment Management Company. Additionally, Richard is the former 
chair of the Columbia College Board of Visitors.
  Professionally, Richard has achieved significant success. Currently 
he is the senior managing director of the investment firm The Orienta 
Group. Prior to its formation, Richard began a long and successful 
career with Goldman, Sachs & Co. in 1981 and proudly served as a 
partner and managing director from 1990 to 2002. During his tenure with 
Goldman Sachs, Richard led numerous committees including the Fixed 
Income, Currency and Commodities Division Sales Force for the Americas 
and the Investment Grade Debt Business Unit.
  Beyond his professional and alumni activities, Richard is also an 
author. His first novel, Divided Loyalties, was published in 2005 and 
is based on the World War II experiences of his father-in-law. His 
second novel, Filmore East, is due in 2006 and follows the turbulent 
events of 1968-1971 through a college student's eyes.
  Richard also makes contributions of his time, energy, and money to 
better our community. He has provided significant funds to renovate 
Hamilton Hall at Columbia, is a member of the board of directors at the 
National Museum of American Jewish History, and is a director emeritus 
of the Mamaroneck Schools Foundation.
  Richard is a dedicated husband to his wife Lisa and a devoted father 
to his children Anne and Alexander. I am proud to call him both my 
constituent and my friend.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Richard 
Witten as he receives the Alexander Hamilton Medal.

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