[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 129 (Wednesday, September 10, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1382]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            MR. MONROE MACK

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. KATHY CASTOR

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 10, 2014

  Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a 
dedicated community leader and trailblazer, Monroe Mack of Tampa, 
Florida. Mr. Mack's boundless energy and constant civic engagement were 
an inspiration to all. Today, I am grateful to recognize his 
innumerable contributions and honor his legacy.
   Monroe Mack was born in Campbellton, Florida, but later moved to 
Tampa where he spent the majority of his life. Mr. Mack's service to 
this country began when he joined the Army Reserves where he served as 
a 2nd Lieutenant and retired as a Lt. Colonel in 1985. Mr. Mack went on 
to graduate from Florida A&M University in 1956 with a degree in 
Pharmaceutical Sciences and later received an MBA from Nova University. 
He later married Laverne Griffin to whom he was married for 50 happy 
years.
   Throughout Mr. Mack's career he was a pioneer for African American 
advancement in the Tampa Bay medical community. He created the pharmacy 
services at Clara Fry Memorial Hospital. Following the success of that 
program, he moved to Tampa General Hospital, where he broke down racial 
barriers by becoming its first African American professional staffer 
and later rose to become its Director of Pharmacy. His trailblazing 
continued as he became the first African American to be appointed and 
reappointed to the Florida Board of Pharmacy by both Governors Reubin 
Askew and Bob Graham. He then chaired the Examination and Negative 
Formulary Advisory Committees, and served as their first African 
American President.
   Mr. Mack's service was not limited only to his work in the medical 
field. Throughout his life, he displayed a passion for civic engagement 
and for shaping young minds. He inspired the next generation of 
pharmacists by working as a professor at both the University of Florida 
and Florida A&M University Colleges of Pharmacy. He also diligently 
advocated for greater engagement in politics throughout the community. 
Mr. Mack could often be found educating people about candidates and 
encouraging them to vote.
   Even after his retirement from Tampa General Hospital, Mr. Mack 
continued to give countless hours in service to his alma mater. He 
chaired the alumni funding campaign which raised funds and created a 
$100,000 Alumni Endowment for the FAMU College of Pharmacy. He was also 
inducted into the Gallery of Distinction in the FAMU College of 
Pharmacy.
   Mr. Mack selflessly dedicated his life to our community. Countless 
students have benefited from his immeasurable philanthropic efforts and 
leadership in the medical industry. His commitment to civic engagement 
and education will always be remembered and appreciated. Mr. Speaker, I 
join the Tampa Bay community in recognizing Mr. Mack for a lifetime of 
exemplary service. Although Monroe Mack passed away on August 16, 2014, 
his life and legacy will live on.

                          ____________________