[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 162 (Tuesday, November 3, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2698]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


            HONORING THE LIFE AND MEMORY OF DR. HAROLD HILD

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. LUIS V. GUTIERREZ

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 3, 2009

  Mr. GUTIERREZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and 
memory of Dr. Harold Hild. I met Dr. Hild when he was my English 
professor at Northeastern Illinois University. Dr. Hild was well known 
for his special commitment to the Latino students at the University, 
and we were many. A large number were native English speakers who 
needed improvement in writing, and others were learning English as a 
second language. Dr. Hild stood by us and believed in our potential 
even after so many had written us off as ill-prepared. He worked 
tirelessly to develop an English-language program at the University 
that included tutoring and guidance for students who wanted to improve 
their language skills and succeed at the University.
  Long before the culture wars, we were fighting to learn English, and 
he was fighting beside us. He defended us like we were his own 
children. When Northeastern Illinois University refused to give Dr. 
Hild tenure and attempted to let him go, I organized a group of 
students to stage a sit-in to demand that he be reinstated. We were 
successful, and Dr. Hild was placed back on the faculty. Dr. Hild later 
became the Chairman of the Communication, Media and Theater Department. 
Dr. Hild defended us, and so it was our duty to defend him. In fact, 
Madam Speaker, I think that this probably represented my first steps as 
a community organizer.
  Dr. Hild and I worked together on the English-language program to 
ensure that Latino students at the University had every opportunity to 
succeed. That program still continues today, and is part of his 
significant legacy not only to the University but also to students 
everywhere. He saw the potential in me, and he saw the potential in all 
of us. Dr. Hild is and should always remain an inspiration to countless 
generations of Northeastern Illinois University students. I only hope 
that those of us who were touched by his life will continue to be 
inspired to make a difference in someone else's life.

                          ____________________