[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 12 (Tuesday, January 21, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E51]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING THE LIFE OF PAUL OREFFICE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JOHN R. MOOLENAAR

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 21, 2025

  Mr. MOOLENAAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the remarkable life 
and legacy of Paul Oreffice, the former Chairman of the Board of The 
Dow Chemical Company, who passed away on December 26, 2024, at the age 
of 97.
  Paul was born in Venice, Italy and came to the United States with his 
family when he was 17 years old. He went on to attend Purdue University 
and graduated with a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering in 1949. 
After serving in the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict, Paul began 
his career at Dow Chemical in Midland, Michigan.
  Following international assignments in Switzerland, Italy, Brazil and 
Spain, Paul became the first president of Dow Chemical Latin America in 
Coral Gables, Florida, in 1970. In 1971, he was elected as a member of 
the Board of Directors, and later as president of Dow Chemical U.S.A. 
in August 1975. Paul was named president and CEO of The Dow Chemical 
Company in May 1978 and chairman in May 1986.
  As a humanitarian, Paul received the Encomienda del Merito Civil 
(Order of Civil Merit) in 1966 from the government of Spain and in 1978 
he was honored with the title ``Grand Ufficiale'' by the Italian 
government. Paul is the first person to receive both the Societe de 
Chimie Industrielle's Palladium medal and SCI America's Chemical 
Industry medal, which he received in 1981 and 1983, respectively.
  Paul was especially helpful in giving back to the state of Michigan 
through his intentional engagement of the community. His involvement in 
bringing the Midland Soccer Club and the Greater Midland Tennis Center 
to life has not only provided opportunities for the local youth to come 
together to be active within the community but also has brought tourism 
to the area through tournaments and other events. Paul's involvement in 
philanthropy touched not only the Midland community but reached across 
the country as he served as a Trustee of the Rollin M. Gerstacker 
Foundation, served as a Senior Member of the MD Anderson Cancer Center 
Visitors Board, and he served as Chairman of the Board of the 
Parkinson's Foundation from 2003 to 2007. His strategic thinking and 
contributions have greatly impacted families across the state and the 
country.
  Today, we celebrate the enduring legacy of Paul Oreffice. On behalf 
of the people of Michigan, I am honored today to recognize Paul 
Oreffice for his commitment to humanitarian service, a lifetime of 
leadership and work in chemical engineering, and unwavering leadership 
that has changed our community for the better.
  Please join me in celebrating the life of Paul Oreffice for a 
lifetime of tremendous service.

                          ____________________