[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 81 (Wednesday, May 16, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1065-E1066]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           HONORING THE LIFE OF ALIDA DIETRICH BEGINA, ED.D.

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 16, 2007

  Ms. DeLAURO. Madam Speaker, it is with the heaviest of hearts that I 
rise today to honor and pay tribute to a dear friend and outstanding 
community member, Dr. Alida Dietrich Begina, who was taken from us all 
too soon in late April of this year after losing her battle with breast 
cancer. As a wife, mother, educator, administrator, colleague and 
friend, Alida gave so much of herself to others and has left an 
indelible mark on the lives of all of those she touched.
  Alida's dedication to education--at every level--was unparalleled. 
She began her career as an English, Latin, and Spanish teacher in 
several school systems eventually working her way to administrative 
positions. She worked in both public school systems as well as 
alternative education systems, even spending 2 years as an Instructor 
in English as a Second Language at Indiana Central University in 
Nicosia, Cyprus. She would end her career as the Superintendent of 
Hamden Public Schools where she was respected and loved by students, 
faculty and community members alike. In the 12 years she served in this 
position, Alida worked diligently to provide Hamden's students with 
access to the best possible education on which to build their future 
success. She was a reflection of all that we hope our education leaders 
will be.
  Through all of her efforts Alida became one of the most highly 
regarded administrators in the State, In addition to serving as the 
Superintendent for the Hamden Public School system, she served as an 
adjunct professor at both Sacred Heart University and Southern 
Connecticut State University, where she taught graduate courses for 
obtaining superintendents' certification as well as curriculum 
development and theories of learning for administrator certification. 
Alida was often looked to by professionals and public policy makers for 
input--the myriad of honors, awards, and commendations that she earned 
throughout her career are a testimony to her distinguished reputation 
as a leader in public education. Perhaps most telling was her selection 
as the only superintendent in Connecticut to design and write the 
revised version of the Connecticut Administrator Test that is used for 
certification of administrators. Indeed, I and my staff often called 
upon Alida's vast knowledge and experience when faced with challenging 
choices in public policy concerning education. The loss of her 
expertise and unique perspective on public education and its impact on 
our young people will certainly be missed by many.
  One of her most invaluable contributions and lasting legacies is her 
work to establish the Hamden Education Foundation--a non-profit 
organization that, since its inception, has raised hundreds of 
thousands of dollars which has been used to fund innovative student 
programs and scholarships. In addition to several annual scholarships, 
funds are used for such programs as the purchase of library books and 
periodicals for all Hamden public schools as well as mini-grants aimed 
at encouraging teachers and other certified staff to implement exciting 
and often long-cherished ideas. The Foundation looks to the community 
to raise the funds it uses--creating a special bond between the 
community and its young people. I have no doubt that the Hamden 
Education Foundation and Alida's vision in which it was created will 
continue to enrich the lives and education of Hamden students for many 
years to come.
  Dr. Alida Dietrich Begina will long be remembered for her many 
invaluable contributions to education, both locally and state-wide.

[[Page E1066]]

She was a mentor to so many--most notably her two loving daughters, 
Lauren and Courtney. I stand today to offer my sincerest condolences to 
her husband, Bill; her daughter, Lauren and her husband Ryan; her 
daughter Courtney and her husband Daniel; as well as her beloved 
grandson, Jackson--the inspiration for her two children's books 
published shortly before her passing. Mere words cannot express the 
sorrow we all feel at the loss of such an extraordinary woman.

                          ____________________