[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 9 (Tuesday, January 31, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E22]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 IN RECOGNITION OF JUDGE HILDA R. GAGE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOE KNOLLENBERG

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 31, 2006

  Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize the extraordinary 
career and accomplishments of the Honorable Hilda R. Gage as she 
retires this year. I am honored to recognize her service to Michigan 
and Oakland County as Judge of the Michigan Court of Appeals and the 
Oakland County Circuit Court.
  Judge Gage has long been an influential woman in both Oakland County 
and Michigan. Elected to the Oakland County Circuit Court in November 
of 1978, she presided there for three terms before she was appointed to 
the Michigan Court of Appeals by Governor Engler. She is retiring this 
year after a combined total of 37 years of service in Michigan courts.
  While presiding, Judge Gage has been honored by many associations for 
her exemplary service. She is widely regarded as a very influential 
woman not only in the State of Michigan but nationally as well. In 
March 2002 she was recognized by Corp! Magazine as one of ``Michigan's 
95 Most Powerful Women'' and has been honored by the Women's Bar 
Association in December, 2000 for her contributions to the practice of 
law, improving the legal system, and her dedication to the community. 
Additionally, she was given the Roberts P. Hudson Award in October 
1991, by the State Bar of Michigan for Outstanding Contributions to the 
Bar. This is the highest honor bestowed by the State Bar.
  Judge Gage is also credited with many ``firsts'' throughout her 
judicial career. She was the first female chairperson of the National 
Conference of State Trial Judges in 1986 and holds the same distinction 
for the Michigan Judicial Tenure Commission in 1991. She also chaired 
and helped to originate the State Bar of Michigan Judicial Conference, 
holding the chair of that conference from its inception in 1982 through 
1984. This conference was the first organized body in which the 
circuit, probate, and district judicial associations meet on a regular 
basis. Finally, she was the first recipient of the Award of Judicial 
Excellence, given by the National Conference of State Trial Judges and 
American Bar Association in August of 1994.
  Judge Hilda Gage has served Oakland County and the State of Michigan 
with honor and pride for the duration of her career and I am honored to 
thank her for her commitment to justice and integrity.

                          ____________________