[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 75 (Tuesday, June 13, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1127]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CONGRATULATING DR. PATRICIA DONOHUE FOR BEING NAMED RECIPIENT OF THE 
      WILKES-BARRE CHAMBER OF BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY'S ATHENA AWARD

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                         HON. PAUL E. KANJORSKI

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 13, 2006

  Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask you and my esteemed 
colleagues in the House of Representatives to pay tribute to Dr. 
Patricia Donohue, president of the Luzerne County Community College, in 
Nanticoke, Pennsylvania, who was a recipient of the Wilkes-Barre 
Chamber of Business and Industry's prestigious ``Athena Award.''
  The Athena Award honors women who show excellence in business 
accomplishments, community service, personal achievements, and 
assisting the efforts of other women working toward their full 
leadership potential.
  The concept started in 1980 when Martha Mayhood Mertz, then serving 
on the Board of Directors of the Lansing Michigan Regional Chamber of 
Commerce, realized that only one woman was recognized for excellence in 
her Chamber in 75 years. Since its inception in Michigan, thousands of 
ATHENA Awards have been presented throughout North America, Eastern 
Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
  The Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber has honored local women for their 
achievements since 1985. MotorWorld Automotive Group has remained a 
sponsor of the Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber's ATHENA Award during that 
tenure.
  Dr. Donohue oversees a $36 million budget and remains active in the 
community volunteering her time with several organizations. She has 
spent countless hours providing guidance and mentorship to female 
professionals and young women.
  Dr. Donohue is a member of the board of directors of the Luzerne 
Foundation, Osterhout Free Library, F.M. Kirby Center and the Greater 
Wilkes-Barre Chamber. She is a member of the Council of Presidents of 
Luzerne County and serves on the board and executive committee of the 
Joint Urban Studies Center.
  Dr. Donohue has made a lifelong commitment to Girl Scouting and 
serves on the Executive Committee of the Girl Scouts of Penn's Woods 
Council. She served as the first chair of the NEPA Technology Institute 
and is a graduate of the Leadership Wilkes-Barre Executive Leadership 
program and the Lackawanna Leadership Executive Program.
  She is a member of the National Institute for Leadership Development 
and has sponsored/mentored more than 50 women for leadership training. 
Dr. Donohue serves on the Board of the American Association of Women in 
Community Colleges and on the United Way Campaign Cabinet.
  Among her many awards are the Outstanding Leadership Award from the 
American Association of University Women, Harrisburg and the Central 
Penn Technology Council's Outstanding Service Award. She has been 
recognized by Who's Who in America and the Outstanding Young Women of 
America and is the recipient of the Outstanding Service Award from the 
American Cancer Society, the Merit Recognition Award from Harrisburg 
Area Community College, and was named Community Woman of the Year by 
the American Business Women's Association.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Dr. Donohue on this 
important occasion. Dr. Donohue's commitment to the advancement of 
women and her devotion to community service have enhanced the quality 
of life greatly in the Wyoming Valley. It is fitting, indeed, that she 
be selected for this unique honor.




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