[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 174 (Tuesday, November 15, 2011)]
[Senate]
[Page S7448]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               TRIBUTE TO ROBERT AND MARGARET PATRICELLI

 Mr. BLUMENTHAL. Mr. President, today I wish to commend Robert 
and Margaret Patricelli, of Simsbury, CT, for their immense generosity 
and vision in establishing an institute that will promote and support 
important public service activities.
  Public policy and service have played a central role in the 
Patricelli's careers and lives. Graduating from Wesleyan in 1961 and 
Harvard Law in 1965, Bob was selected as one of 15 people for the first 
White House Fellows Program. His participation helped shape him as 
someone who understands the value of public policy and government 
service. Both he and Margaret are always looking for ways to give back 
and inspire others.
  Their passion for giving back and helping others is what moved them 
to start the Robert and Margaret Patricelli Family Foundation to bring 
a tangible reality to programs and projects that serve the greater 
good. What Bob and Margaret have done through their family's foundation 
is inspiring and moving--and will continue to serve the country, and 
the world, for generations to come. Their philanthropic and service 
activities have touched countless lives across the State, from the arts 
to science, hospitals to schools, and programs assisting low-income 
neighborhoods.
  In May of this year, the foundation contributed substantially to 
Wesleyan University, establishing the Patricelli Center for Social 
Entrepreneurship. This center will support students seeking to 
establish programs and organizations, providing workshops, speakers and 
networking opportunities for students. It will help encourage and 
embolden students who are focused on becoming social entrepreneurs, as 
well as award grants to undergraduate students engaged in specific 
projects. The foundation's most recent contribution to Wesleyan is one 
more example of great caring and commitment that lead me to recognize 
Bob and Margaret for all that they have done for our State and country.
  A role model and inspiration to all who value public service, I 
commend and thank Bob and Margaret Patricelli for their legacy of great 
work for Connecticut and the country.

                          ____________________