[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 36 (Monday, February 24, 2020)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1115-S1116]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO BETTY COLBERT

  Mr. BLUMENTHAL. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize Ms. Betty 
Colbert on the occasion of her retirement from her position as program 
assistant for the U.S. Senate Youth Program, USSYP, after 57 years of 
remarkable service.
  Ms. Colbert started working for the USSYP during its first program in 
1963 and has continued her impressive tenure ever since. With her 
guidance, the program has provided unparalleled educational 
opportunities and experiences for countless high school students.
  Her involvement with the program started thanks to her late husband, 
Mr. George Colbert, a Tuskegee airman who served as Mr. Randy Hearst's 
driver while Mr. Hearst was helping to develop the USSYP. Despite 
working full time with the National Institutes of Health, Ms. Colbert 
took leave each year in order to devote herself to the USSYP's 
administration. A thoughtful, giving woman, she took a hands-on 
approach, doing everything from taking calls from Senate offices and 
the White House to making sure each participating student got an 
individual flag flown over the Capitol to recognize their 
accomplishment.
  The success of USSYP alumni is in part thanks to Ms. Colbert's 
tireless efforts. I participate in the program every year, including 
serving as cochair in 2019, and I can attest firsthand to her unfailing 
work ethic and the level of care she puts in to every aspect of the 
USSYP.
  Students, Senators, and staff members have all bore witness to Ms. 
Colbert's extraordinary commitment to her role. Not only does she 
ensure everything runs smoothly for all involved, but she also focuses 
on the small details. Her driven, considerate nature plays a 
significant part in giving students the most enjoyable and 
transformative experience possible. Ms. Colbert leaves behind a legacy 
that will continue to positively shape the USSYP for years to come.
  I applaud her over half a century of service and hope my colleagues 
will join me in congratulating Ms. Betty Colbert on her well-earned 
retirement.

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