[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 3 (Tuesday, January 10, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E8-E9]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          VERA ORTEGON TRIBUTE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SCOTT R. TIPTON

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 10, 2012

  Mr. TIPTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of outgoing Pueblo, 
Colorado City Council Representative Vera Ortegon. Councilwoman 
Ortegon's last day representing her at-large district was December 31, 
2011.
  A businesswoman, microbiologist, and mother, Vera Ortegon immigrated 
to the United States from Colombia to attend college, and has since 
become an American success story. Her wide variety of experience has 
served her well during her two terms of office, beginning in 2007.
  While working as a production manager for the Schering Corporation in 
New Jersey, Mrs. Ortegon earned bachelor's and master's degrees in 
microbiology from Rutgers and Fairleigh Dickinson University. 
Simultaneously, she has been managing partner of a family-owned real 
estate company since 1976. In 1980, she moved to Pueblo with her 
husband. She later continued her studies in the University of 
Colorado's Ph.D. program in molecular biology, while also working as an 
instructor, researcher, and director of the Biotechnology Center at the 
Colorado Springs campus.
  More recently, Vera has worked for the Office of Economic Development 
and International Trade, Southeastern Colorado Conservancy District 
Board, and as President of the Board of Water Works. She is active with 
the Pueblo Economic Development Corporation, the 10th Judicial District 
Nominating Commission, and is Vice President of the John Neumann 
Catholic Schools Board. She is married with two sons.

[[Page E9]]

  Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize Councilwoman Vera Ortegon. I 
rise today to thank her for her work on behalf of the citizens of 
Pueblo.

                          ____________________