[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 144 (Thursday, September 11, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1766]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING MARGIE LEE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOHN L. MICA

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 11, 2008

  Mr. MICA. Madam Speaker, as William Wordsworth once wrote, ``the 
Child is Father to the Man.''
  Like all of us, from time-to-time I fondly recall those who have made 
a significant impact upon my life. For where would we be if not for 
those who made the special effort to guide the next generation, and 
befriend us but demand much from us, so that we may learn to demand 
much from ourselves?
  It is because of those who touch our lives and instill the values we 
all hold dear as a society, those who provide guidance to our young 
people every day, that make us successful and our nation stronger. Some 
are there to deal directly with us from day-to-day. Others help set up 
and run the institutions that provide the networks for others to have a 
profound impact upon our young.
  In my life, Margie Lee was one such person. Known affectionately as 
``Marge'' and across America as the ``Delta Chi Mom,'' Marge inspired 
several generations of Delta Chis while working in the Fraternity's 
International Headquarters since 1964. She was devoted to Delta Chi and 
to us all, helping to provide guidance to thousands of young men in 
those potentially very difficult years at college and first time away 
from home.
  I had both the honor and the pleasure of working directly with Marge. 
It was while I worked as assistant to the executive director of the 
Delta Chi Fraternity in my first job after graduating from the 
University of Florida. I saw how Marge worked every day on behalf of my 
Delta Chi Brothers. Over the years, I witnessed first hand how she 
devoted her life to bestowing the advantages of a brotherhood of 
college and university men to use their education ``to promote 
friendship, develop character and advance justice.'' In doing so, Marge 
helped generations of young boys grow into successful, value-driven 
men.
  Marge passed away yesterday morning in Iowa City at age 79. She is 
survived by four children and thousands of her adopted Delta Chi sons 
around the world.
  When we are young we don't fully appreciate the time and sacrifice 
our elders take to shape us into successful adults. Sometimes our 
separate paths take us away from our mentors before we fully appreciate 
what they did for us. All too often they pass on before we get the 
chance to thank them properly.
  Not many of us have the opportunity to recognize and publically say 
thanks. Today, to her family, to my colleagues in Congress and Delta 
Chi Brothers, I am honored and pleased to say--thank you Margie Lee.

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