[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 108 (Wednesday, June 27, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E932-E933]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 TRIBUTE TO THE EXTRAORDINARY CONTRIBUTIONS OF SUE ANNE GILROY ON THE 
         OCCASION OF HER RETIREMENT FROM ST. VINCENT FOUNDATION

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SUSAN W. BROOKS

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 27, 2018

  Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my dear 
friend, beloved and iconic member of the Hoosier community, Sue Anne 
Gilroy, on the occasion of her retirement from the St. Vincent 
Foundation. For the past twelve years Sue Anne served as Vice President 
and Executive Director, devoting a large portion of her life to 
facilitating and providing financial resources for sick patients unable 
to afford the care they desperately need. The people of Indiana's Fifth 
Congressional District are forever grateful for Sue Anne's commitment 
to her community, passion for public service, and years of inspired 
leadership with the St. Vincent Foundation and beyond.
  A lifelong Hoosier, Sue Anne was born in Crawfordsville, Indiana. She 
attended DePauw University where she graduated cum laude and earned a 
Bachelor's Degree in speech and secondary education. From an early age, 
Sue Anne displayed a strong interest in public service. During her 
senior year at DePauw University, she accepted an internship in the 
office of Crawfordsville Mayor Bill Hays, Jr. This opportunity led to 
an introduction with then Mayor of Indianapolis Richard Lugar, where 
she became Assistant to the Mayor. Credited as her ``big break'', Sue 
Anne attributes this experience to the start of her career in public 
service. It was at the Mayor's Office where Sue Anne met the love of 
her life, Dick Gilroy, her husband of 42 years. Eager to learn even 
more about the public sector, she left the Mayor's Office to pursue her 
Master's degree in Public Administration at Indiana University-Purdue 
University in Indianapolis. After earning her Master's degree, she 
continued her career as State Director for Senator Richard Lugar from 
1990 to 1993 and as Chair for Mayor Stephen Goldsmith's transition team 
in 1991.
  An inspiration to her community, Sue Anne began to redefine the role 
of women in public service. She became the first female director under 
Mayor Lugar's UniGov by serving as the Director of the Indianapolis 
Department of Parks and Recreation. She broke yet another barrier 
becoming Indiana's first female Secretary of State in 1994. During her 
eight years in office, Sue Anne focused on election, corporate, and 
securities reform throughout the state of Indiana. Although 
unsuccessful, she ran a competitive race for Mayor of the City of 
Indianapolis in 1999. After finishing her second term as Indiana 
Secretary of State, Sue Anne became Director of Advancement at the 
University High School in Carmel, Indiana, where she was responsible 
for building community relationships, developing financial resources, 
providing strategic planning leadership, and serving as a student 
mentor for the newly established institution.
  Inspired by her late daughter Emily, who passed away from childhood 
cancer at the age of 11 in 1989, Sue Anne became the Vice President of 
Development and Executive Director of the St. Vincent Foundation. Here 
she raised funds for underprivileged families in need of medical 
resources. Under Sue Anne's leadership, the St. Vincent Foundation has 
raised more than $70 million to support St. Vincent hospital projects 
and programs. The foundation's assets increased from $23 million to 
over $100 million.
  Sue Anne's life-long commitment to her community goes beyond her 
career. Using her vast knowledge and expertise, she consulted in 
fundraising and business administration for the Tabernacle Presbyterian 
Church in Indianapolis, Indiana. In her free time, she notably served 
on the board of directors at the University of Indianapolis, Cathedral 
High School, Indiana Dollars for Scholars, and Highland Country Club. 
She also served on the advisory board for Salvation Army. A member of 
the Junior league of Indianapolis, Sue Anne promoted voluntarism, 
development of women, and improvement of the community through her 
philanthropic endeavors. Sue Anne was a co-founder of The Richard G. 
Lugar Excellence in Public Service Series, an organization designed to 
provide leadership training experience that encourages, mentors, and 
prepares women leaders at the local, state, and federal levels of 
government. Governor Mitch Daniels appointed her to serve on the Blue 
Ribbon Commission on Local Government Reform and Governor Eric Holcomb 
recently appointed Sue Anne to serve on the State Ethics Commission.
  Sue Anne's consistent leadership and commitment to the highest 
standard of success has not gone unnoticed. The beneficiary of numerous 
awards and accolades, Sue Anne most notably received the Sagamore of 
the Wabash, Girls Inc. Touchstone Honoree, IBJ Woman of Influence, SPEA 
Distinguished Alumnus, Guardian of Small Business, and Speaking of 
Woman's Health Honoree, all illuminating her countless achievements 
throughout her career. She was also the recipient of the Nancy A. 
Maloley Outstanding Public Servant Award in 2015. This award recognizes 
a Hoosier Republican woman who demonstrates extraordinary dedication to 
serving the public good through appointed governmental and political 
office.
  Sue Anne leaves behind a strong legacy of success at the St. Vincent 
Foundation and has made a remarkable impression on her friends, family, 
colleagues, and community. Her dedication and service to others was 
always supported by the enduring love and support of her husband Dick. 
They were married for over 4 decades before he unexpectedly passed away 
in 2015. On behalf of Indiana's Fifth Congressional District, I would 
like to congratulate Sue Anne on her extraordinary career and extend my 
gratitude for all the wonderful contributions she has made to our 
Hoosier community. While I know Sue Anne will be missed at the Saint 
Vincent Foundation, I wish the very best to her and hope that she will 
have many happy times on the golf course and enjoying more time with 
her son, Dr. Grant Gilroy, daughter-in law, Andrea Lee, and three 
grandchildren.

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