[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 51 (Friday, March 23, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E629]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  CONGRATULATING ABRAHAM MITCHELL FOR BEING NAMED MOBILIAN OF THE YEAR

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JO BONNER

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, March 23, 2007

  Mr. BONNER. Madam Speaker, it is with great pride and pleasure that I 
rise today to honor Mr. Abraham Mitchell on the occasion of being named 
Mobilian of the Year for 2006 by the Mobile Civitan Club.
  The Mobilian of the Year is the city's most prestigious civic honor, 
and Abe is most deserving of his award. With his brother Mayer, Abe co-
founded the Mitchell Company in the 1950's, which would go on to become 
one of the southeast's largest real-estate companies before being sold 
in 1985. After his retirement from real estate, Abe became co-owner of 
another endeavor, Mitchell Brothers, Inc., which has focused on 
investments and philanthropic support.
  Abe is not only a very successful businessman, but he and his family 
have set a new standard in the state of Alabama for their philanthropic 
endeavors. Abe has always believed that education is paramount to the 
improvement of the human condition and, to that end, he has been 
extremely supportive of Mobile's institutes of higher education.
  According to the University of South Alabama, Abe has donated at 
least $4 million personally, providing for three endowed chairs in the 
College of Medicine and the soon to be opened Resources Learning Center 
in the Mitchell College of Business.
  Moreover, he has funded the largest private scholarship program at 
USA, which provides 20 full academic scholarships each year. Abe has 
also supported the University of Mobile, Springhill College, Bishop 
State Community College, among others. He has also been heavily 
involved in philanthropic support of numerous cultural endeavors and 
community health and human service programs.
  Madam Speaker, I would like to offer my personal congratulations to 
Mr. Abraham Mitchell for being named the Mobilian of the Year for 2006 
and in so doing recognize him for his many outstanding professional and 
philanthropic accomplishments.
  Abe's enormous generosity not only benefits the students of the 
University of South Alabama but our entire community, State and Nation. 
His extraordinary positive impact has set an exemplary example for 
young and old alike in Mobile. I know that my colleagues will join me 
in commending him for his commitment to improving the lives of so many 
others.

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