[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 45 (Wednesday, March 15, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E326-E327]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN RECOGNITION OF CYNTHIA WILBANKS' SERVICE AND ACTIVISM ON BEHALF OF 
                    THE SOUTHEAST MICHIGAN COMMUNITY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DEBBIE DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 15, 2017

  Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Cynthia 
Wilbanks, the University of Michigan's Vice President for Government 
Relations, for receiving the United Way of Washtenaw County's 2017 
Woman of the Year Award. Ms. Wilbanks has served Washtenaw County and 
southeast Michigan with distinction through her involvement in 
nonprofit and community organizations.
  Cynthia Wilbanks has been an effective advocate and leader in 
southeast Michigan through her work at the University of Michigan and 
on behalf of the community. While serving as the University's Vice 
President of Government Relations, Ms. Wilbanks has championed 
initiatives to strengthen the University community and coordinate the 
University's policies and responses to federal, state and local 
legislation. In addition, Ms. Wilbanks serves on the boards of 
directors of numerous nonprofit organizations, including the Riverside 
Arts Center Foundation, Center for Michigan, and Ann Arbor SPARK, a 
startup and business incubator. She is also an active member of United 
Way and served as the University of Michigan United Way's Campaign 
Chair for four straight years.
  Ms. Wilbanks has also distinguished herself through her outstanding 
record of public service. She has served on the staff of several U.S. 
Representatives, including working as Rep. Carl Pursell's district 
director from 1979 through 1992. During her time as a public servant, 
Ms. Wilbanks was a tireless advocate who fought for policies to benefit 
southeast Michigan and its residents. Her record of achievement has 
helped make Michigan a great place to live and work.
  Ms. Wilbanks' leadership and hard work have been critical to the 
growth and success of the University of Michigan as well as the greater 
southeast Michigan community. As a result of her efforts, Ms. Wilbanks 
was named one of the 100 most influential women in Metro Detroit by 
Crain's Detroit Business in 2002 and has also received the Girl Scouts 
of the Huron Valley Council's Women of Distinction Award. These 
accolades, in addition to being named Woman of the Year, are a 
testament to Ms. Wilbanks' record of success and continued activism in 
the community. It is my hope that Ms. Wilbanks continues to build on 
these accomplishments in the coming years.

[[Page E327]]

  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Cynthia 
Wilbanks and her tremendous work on behalf of the University of 
Michigan and the community at large. She has distinguished herself 
through her outstanding professional and volunteer efforts.

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