[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 20 (Thursday, January 30, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E113-E114]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING LAURA SMITH ON THE OCCASION OF HER RETIREMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 30, 2020

  Ms. DeLAURO. Madam Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to rise today 
to join the many family, friends, and colleagues who have gathered to 
celebrate with our dear friend, Laura Smith, who is retiring from Yale 
University after thirty-nine years of dedicated service. In a career 
that has spanned four decades, Laura has become a fixture at the 
University, earning a respected reputation for her dedication as well 
as her commitment to her colleagues.
  Laura's career at Yale began in the Bursar's Office where she served 
as a Collection Correspondent in the Student Loan Collection 
Department. In the decade that she spent there, she built lasting 
memories--many of which include calls made using a rotary phone as well 
as tracking collections with microfiche and pin-fed spreadsheets. Those 
of us who can remember using those technology trends can appreciate the 
humor with which she recalls those years. Laura's second decade with 
Yale began as an Editorial Assistant in the Alumni Records Department 
where she was tasked with maintaining the class reunion directories. 
Shortly after beginning this new role, the Department was merged with 
the Office of Development which has been Laura's professional home ever 
since. Over the course of her tenure in the Office of Development, 
Laura has held a myriad of positions and taken on a variety of 
responsibilities--all in support of alumni activities and 
communications.
  In addition to her years of service within Development, Laura has 
been involved with the Local 34 union as an active member and leader 
throughout her career. In 1994, Laura was elected President of Local 
34, a position in which she served for sixteen years. It was in her 
role with Local 34 that I had the opportunity to work closely with 
Laura. Her leadership, vision, compassion, and commitment not only 
inspired her members, but in all of us who support the labor movement. 
She proudly stood shoulder to shoulder with her hard-working 
colleagues, fighting to ensure that they were receiving a living wage, 
working in a safe environment, and were secure in their health and 
retirement. Laura was and is a passionate advocate for workers' rights 
and has long been a pillar of support for her union colleagues. Her 
tireless advocacy and unwavering support for her union brothers and 
sisters will most certainly be missed, though I have no doubt that she 
will continue to find ways to contribute to the cause.
  Today, as Laura marks the end of her professional career, I hope that 
she knows how many lives she has touched and what a difference she has 
made. I am proud to stand today to extend my heartfelt congratulations 
to Laura Smith as she celebrates her retirement. I wish her all the 
best for many more years of health and happiness.

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