[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 64 (Friday, April 20, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E815-E816]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      IN RECOGNITION OF EUGENE BAK

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 20, 2007

  Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Eugene Bak for his 
outstanding efforts and devoted work to Polonia and America, and his 
tremendous amount of civic work for the benefit of the Polish American 
Cultural Center.
  Gene and his family immigrated to the United States in 1952, after 
spending a total of seven years in deportation in Siberia as well as 
Polish refugee camps. He obtained a Master's Degree in Business 
Administration from Seton Hall University and attended business 
programs at the University of Michigan, Harvard University and Syracuse 
University. Gene has spent his entire career in the chemical industry 
and retired as Board Director of OM Group (OMC) in 1999.
  In 1982, Gene's affection for his beloved homeland led him to help 
the Americares Foundation raise funds to ship medicine and medical 
supplies to the people of Poland. He has since been a vital asset to 
efforts to expanding Polish culture in the Cleveland area, and as 
cofounder and Executive Director of the Polish American Cultural Center 
he has refurbished facilities to house distinguished Polish speakers, 
artists, shows and displays. Under his leadership, the Polish Heritage 
Museum opened as part of the Cultural Center to celebrate Polish 
history, as well as the history of Polish Americans.

[[Page E816]]

  Gene serves on a number of boards, such as the Advisory Board of 
Marymount Medical Center. Moreover his concern for people, both here 
and abroad, is impressive and admirable. As part of his titanic work he 
is helping the people in Poland to raise funds for the Laski Institute 
for the Blind as well as the Polish Children's Heartline Foundation, 
and he has significantly contributed to the cooperation between Poland 
and the United States.
  Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honoring Eugene Bak 
for using his unique skills and numerous talents in service to the 
people of Polonia and Northeast Ohio. May his tireless dedication and 
his achievements continue to inspire us all.

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