[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 22 (Monday, February 22, 2010)]
[Senate]
[Page S613]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO THALIA DONDERO

  Mr. REID. Madam President, Thalia Marie Sperry Dondero has lived in 
Nevada since 1942 when she transferred to Las Vegas for employment. She 
met and married Harvey Dondero, who worked for the U.S. Department of 
Education. He became an assistant superintendent of the Clark County 
School District. She began her community involvement through the Parent 
Teacher Organization as her five children were growing up. At the same 
time she was active in the Service League, director of the Las Vegas 
Girl Scouts for 10 years during which time she helped develop both 
Scout camps. She was also appointed to the Nevada State Parks 
Commission.
  Thalia Dondero became the first woman elected to the Clark County 
Commission in 1974 where she promptly made the news by refusing to fill 
the role of coffee maker and secretary to the other male members of the 
Commission. Mrs. Dondero was a commissioner for the next 20 years 
serving as chairperson three times.
  Thalia's service mentored other women to run for office. During her 
tenure as commissioner, she was instrumental in the expansion of 
McCarran Internation Airport, the development of flood control projects 
and chaired the Las Vegas Valley Water District. Her efforts led to the 
expansion and protection of Clark County's recreational pearls, Red 
Rock Canyon, Kyle Canyon and Valley of Fire. In 1996, Thalia Dondero 
was elected to the Nevada System of Higher Education Board where she 
served two terms as chair.
  In the past 50 years, all of Nevada and Southern Nevada specifically 
have been greatly affected by Thalia Dondero's lifelong dedication to 
the children of Nevada and their education. She has made significant 
contributions to the improvement of educational quality. She has 
continuously advocated for the Nevada environment. Thalia's single-
minded civic responsibility and charitable contributions have played a 
major role in making Nevada and Las Vegas the destinations they have 
become.

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