[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 73 (Monday, May 7, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E589]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MR. CYRUS ``RUSS'' M. JOLLIVETTE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 7, 2018

  Mr. HASTINGS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy 
of my very dear friend, Mr. Cyrus ``Russ'' M. Jollivette. I was 
fortunate to have known Russ for many years. His untimely passing is a 
true loss for the State of Florida.
  Russ was born on August 5, 1946 in Miami, Florida to Frances Reeves 
Jollivette Chambers and Cyrus M. Jollivette, Sr. He is the brother of 
two sisters, Regina Jollivette Frazier and Cleo Leontine Jollivette.
  He held a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from C.W. Post 
College, a Masters of Business Administration in Management from Long 
Island University, and a Juris Doctor from the University of Miami's 
(UM) School of Law.
  Russ dedicated himself to the advancement of higher education, health 
access and services, and public service. While well-known for his 24 
years of service at UM, and his 12 years of service at Blue Cross Blue 
Shield (BCBS) of Florida, there are many other organizations, 
educational institutions, nonprofits, and community groups that Russ 
started, chaired, or directed.
  Russ committed himself to creating and supporting educational 
opportunities for students in Florida and beyond, at colleges and 
universities from the University of Miami to St. Thomas University, 
Florida A&M University, Florida International University, University of 
Florida, University of North Florida, Barry University, Jacksonville 
University, Eckerd College, and community colleges throughout the 
state.
  He also played a major role in the world of health, seeking support 
for several hospitals and medical schools, and especially children's 
hospitals and schools of nursing throughout Florida. He had served as 
the Chairman of the Dade Public Health Trust, and always sought support 
for the Children's Hospital at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial 
Medical Center, the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of the 
University of Miami Health System, as well as cancer centers throughout 
Florida.
  Additionally, Russ played a role in the world of philanthropy. He 
directed relations for the UM Foundation for decades and directed the 
BCBS Florida Blue Foundation. He was responsible for hundreds of 
millions of dollars reaching education, health, community, and 
nonprofit initiatives.
  Russ was a special leader in the world of higher education and public 
service, and a leader in the African American community. Everywhere he 
went, he made a positive impact on those around him.
  Fond memories of Russ will forever remain with his daughter Lynn 
Jollivette Johns, and his two beautiful grandchildren, Richard Franklin 
II and Lauren Marie.
  Mr. Speaker, I was truly honored to have known Russ and to call him 
my friend. He was kind and generous person, who was always giving back. 
I know that Russ' spirit and loving memory will always live on. My 
thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this 
extremely difficult time. He will be dearly missed.

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