[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 195 (Tuesday, November 17, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1042]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




IN RECOGNITION OF CYNTHIA WILBANKS FOR A DISTINGUISHED CAREER WITH THE 
                         UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN

                                  _____
                                 

                          HON. DEBBIE DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 17, 2020

  Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to offer my heartfelt 
congratulations to Cynthia Wilbanks as she celebrates her retirement. 
We are proud to recognize her many years of distinguished service with 
the University of Michigan and the profound impact she has left on our 
community.
  In September 1998, Cynthia Wilbanks was appointed to Vice President 
of Government Relations at the University of Michigan. In this 
capacity, Wilbanks has directed U-M's government relation efforts at 
the local, state, and federal level and has been tirelessly advocate 
for the university's students, faculty, and staff. Wilbanks has also 
held other notable leadership positions at U-M. She has served on the 
Bentley Historical Library Executive Committee, the Bicentennial 
Planning Committee, the Ginsberg Center Board, the Honorary Degree 
Committee, the Michigan in Washington Program Faculty Advisory 
Committee, and the Residency Appeals Committee. In addition, she served 
as Interim Vice President for Communications in 2007 and Interim Vice 
President for Development from 2002 to 2003.
  Cynthia Wilbanks has decades of public service experience. She 
previously served as district director and Washtenaw County field 
representative for U.S. Rep. Carl Pursell and also served as a staff 
assistant for U.S. Rep. Marvin Esch. Wilbanks's extensive knowledge of 
the legislative process augmented her effectiveness as VP of Government 
Relations and enabled U-M to better meet its legislative priorities. In 
addition, Wilbanks has been an active member of several community and 
civic organizations. Before joining U-M, Wilbanks was the president of 
Michigan's Children. In addition, she has served on the board of 
directors for Ann Arbor SPARK, the Riverside Arts Center Foundation, 
the Bank of Ann Arbor, and the Center for Michigan, and has been 
involved in leadership roles with the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum and 
Glacier Hills Retirement Center. Wilbanks has been recognized for her 
remarkable accomplishments by a host of organizations. She was named 
one of the 100 most influential women in Metro Detroit by Crain's 
Detroit Business, has been a recipient of the Spirit Award, and 
received a Women of Distinction Award from the Girl Scouts of the Huron 
Valley Council, to name only a few.
  Throughout her career, Wilbanks has been recognized as a dedicated 
and compassionate leader who strives to effect lasting change. She has 
been a strong voice for the University of Michigan, expanding the 
breadth of the institution and the opportunities it can extend to 
students and surrounding communities. She used her knowledge, 
expertise. and authority to make a difference and positively impact the 
lives of countless Michiganders. Without a doubt, Wilbanks's impact 
will forever endure, and we are all grateful for the remarkable strides 
she made.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the 
retirement of Cynthia Wilbanks from the University of Michigan. I am 
proud to honor her work, accomplishments, and significant community 
impact. We thank her for her outstanding leadership and wish her the 
best of luck in her future endeavors.

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