[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 133 (Wednesday, September 29, 2010)]
[Senate]
[Page S7747]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          TRIBUTE TO LOU RICE

  Mr. BROWN of Ohio. Mr. President, For over 25 years, the 
Edison Welding Institute, EWI, has been a national leader in helping 
manufacturers improve their products and productivity through advanced 
engineering. Based on the campus of the Ohio State University, EWI is a 
world-class model of a public-private partnership that works with 
universities and entrepreneurs, and small businesses and large 
corporations to strengthen Ohio's position as a national leader in 
aerospace, automotive production, and emerging advanced clean energy 
manufacturing.
  Among its team of cutting-edge scientists and technicians, industry 
experts and project managers is an employee whose voice and face has 
made EWI among the most important assets of the great State of Ohio.
  For the last 21 years, senior receptionist Willie Lou Rice has 
welcomed more than 1.5 million visitors by phone and in person at EWI. 
No one can walk through EWI without first being greeted by Lou not even 
Vice President Al Gore or U.S. and State Senators or Members of 
Congress representing districts from across the Nation. She has greeted 
high-ranking officials from the U.S. Departments of Energy, Commerce, 
Defense, and Transportation who visit EWI to learn about its latest 
work. Military personnel, corporate executives, university presidents, 
and dignitaries from all over the world have received Lou's greeting 
before meeting with EWI staff.
  Her commitment to the mission of EWI also extends to the community. 
Each year Lou has welcomed 3rd graders from Columbus School For Girls 
and helps introduce them to the opportunities for women in welding 
technology. She regularly welcomes vocational school students and local 
science teachers to inspire them about engineering and to show them 
that Ohio has long been home to inventors and innovators behind the 
mask and torch, and the workers in a factory.
  Lou has merged her role as frontline public relations ambassador for 
EWI with her love for her family, friends, and church. Willie Lou Rice 
will retire from EWI on October 31, 2010, having served her State with 
distinction and honored her community with a commitment to all. On 
behalf of a grateful State, I congratulate her for all that she has 
accomplished and wish her well in her retirement. Her legacy is clearly 
one of strength, loyalty, and integrity. Congratulations, Lou. 

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