[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 39 (Tuesday, March 5, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E207]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING TAMPA BAY'S TRAILBLAZER GERARD (JERRY) A. BELL, IN HONOR OF 
                          BLACK HISTORY MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. KATHY CASTOR

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 5, 2024

  Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today during Black History 
Month with immense gratitude for the selfless community service of 
philanthropist and retired Tampa Bay Buccaneers player, Gerard (Jerry) 
A. Bell. Through Mr Bell's dedication to advancing the success of his 
neighbors, young and old, our neighborhoods have positively 
transformed. Mr. Bell devoted his considerable time and talents to 
improving African American student retention and completion of higher 
education, and in doing has lifted us all.
  Mr. Bell was born in Derby, Connecticut, in 1959. He earned his 
bachelor's degree in computer information systems from Arizona State 
University where he was a standout Tight End on the Sun Devil's 
football team and a master's in business administration from the 
University of Tampa. For the past 20 years, Mr. Bell has served as an 
adjunct faculty member at Hillsborough Community College, Pasco 
Hernando State College, and the University of Phoenix. He teaches 
various college courses in introduction to business, marketing, and 
personal finance.
  Mr. Bell is married to Ruth Bell, his partner in life and in 
philanthropic and community service. They are notably most proud of 
their two children, Vanessa and David.
  After five seasons as a Tight End for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Mr. 
Bell pursued his passion outside of the game and entered technology 
sales during the 1990's, a time when this industry was evolving before 
the world's eyes. Mr. Bell currently serves as the president and owner 
of Bell & Associates Business Consultants, Inc., a value-added reseller 
of information technology where he collaborates with local and national 
clients. Community service is at the crux of Mr. Bell's life and 
purpose. During his time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, when he was not 
on the field, he was organizing food drives, tutoring young African 
American students for their SATs and ACTs, and holding football camps. 
Mr. Bell has served on numerous local and non-profit boards and he is a 
proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
  Mr. Bell's steadfast commitment to advancing student achievement has 
produced transformative results in diversifying higher education. The 
Bells were the first African-American couple to endow a scholarship at 
the University of South Florida, and to date have been able to provide 
financial assistance to more than 100 students who have successfully 
obtained a college degree, crediting the Bells' scholarship for their 
ability to succeed. Currently, Mr. Bell is a founding member of a new 
initiative at the University of South Florida, the Black Leadership 
Network, which is focused on the pillars of scholarship, mentorship, 
and internships for Black students.
  Mr. Bell's public service is recognized widely. He was named a 
Community Hero by the Tampa Bay Lightning Foundation. Additionally, Mr. 
Bell's commitment to students was honored by the University of South 
Florida through the President's Distinguished Citizen Award.
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Tampa Bay community, I am proud to 
recognize Gerard (Jerry) A. Bell, for his selfless public service and 
commitment to educational success and his work in diversity and 
uplifting the Tampa Bay community one neighborhood at a time.

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