[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 36 (Tuesday, February 24, 2026)]
[Senate]
[Page S642]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            MORNING BUSINESS

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                       TRIBUTE TO RALPH M. OAKLEY

  Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, in 1993, Quincy, IL, experienced the worst 
flooding in the Gem City's history. Over a span of a few short weeks, 
thousands of acres of farmland were covered with multiple feet of 
water. Businesses and livelihoods became submerged, and Illinoisans 
were in desperate need of disaster relief. And before the era of 
smartphones and social media, there was a time when broadcast stations 
were many people's only source for local news. For Quincy, that station 
was WGEM-TV.
  Owned by the Oakley family, who at the time had more than five 
generations in the news industry, WGEM provided nonstop coverage of the 
floods across west central Illinois. WGEM told families where to go for 
shelter, informed concerned citizens of how they could help, and 
dispelled rumors that undermined disaster response. For more than 600 
straight hours, WGEM was in the eye of the storm, giving Illinoisans 
the information they needed to stay safe. Ralph Oakley, station vice 
president and general manager, worked to ensure the station spared no 
expense to cover the flood. WGEM, without concern for ad sales or 
commercial revenues, showed up for its community in its time of need. 
On March 3, the National Association of Broadcasters will be awarding 
Ralph with the Chuck Sherman Television Leadership Award in recognition 
of his contributions to his community and local broadcasting. I can 
think of no better recipient for such an honor than Ralph Oakley.
  While working in the broadcast industry is the dream of so many, for 
Ralph it was destiny. Since 1891, four generations of Oakleys before 
him had managed the various Quincy newspapers and television stations. 
Thomas, Ralph's father, was president and CEO of Quincy Newspapers, 
Inc., and worked diligently to bring the company's papers and channels 
to more homes across Illinois. In 1977, when he was just 21 years old 
and still pursuing a degree at Quincy University, then known as Quincy 
College, Ralph joined the family business. He learned the ropes at 
Quincy's own WGEM AM-FM-TV before traveling to Indiana and West 
Virginia to work at QNI's various stations.
  But Ralph would not stay away for long. By 1993, he moved back to 
Quincy and was promoted to vice president and chief operating officer 
of QNI's Broadcast Division. He continued to rise through the ranks of 
QNI, eventually becoming president and CEO of the company in 2009, 
after his father's retirement. As he thrived at QNI, Ralph also became 
involved in national broadcasting advocacy. He served as chairman of 
the Illinois Broadcasters Association and as a board member of the 
National Association of Broadcasters--working to ensure Americans in 
any city, town, or county had access to the emergency alerts, 
educational content, and community news that broadcasting provides. 
While Ralph has since retired from QNI following its sale in 2021, he 
remains involved in broadcasting, owning a station that serves 
Michigan's Upper Peninsula.
  Ralph's passion for broadcasting is only matched by his commitment to 
Quincy, carrying on his father's advocacy for development in western 
and central Illinois. In 1997, Ralph led the establishment of the 
Community Foundation with one simple goal: to make it possible for 
``anyone and everyone to realize their philanthropic wishes.'' For 29 
years, the Community Foundation has raised more than $10 million for 
various nonprofits in west central Illinois and northeast Missouri. 
Organizations ranging from Quincy's own Blessing Hospital to the Quincy 
Symphony Orchestra have received generous support from the Community 
Foundation, allowing them to continue their great work in service of 
their community. In 2022, the Community Foundation celebrated its 25th 
anniversary, and in honor of this milestone, Ralph donated $2 million 
to establish the Ralph Oakley Family Fund, cementing his support for 
families and communities across Illinois for years to come.
  Ralph's philanthropy for Quincy and the surrounding community extends 
beyond the Community Foundation. He served on the boards of both the 
Quincy Area Chamber of Commerce and the Quincy Public Schools 
Foundation and chaired the United Way of Adams County's annual 
campaign. Ralph also continues to support his alma mater Quincy 
University, after serving as chairman of the university's board of 
trustees from 1999 to 2004. In 2021, Ralph and the Oakley family made 
the largest contribution in the university's history to create new 
scholarships, classrooms, and programs. Quincy University is the 
lifeblood of the Gem City, and the Oakley family donation will help 
ensure that it remains ready and able to support the region for 
generations to come.
  Ralph's legacy can be felt in the broadcasting industry and across 
Illinois. His work both in and outside of the studio makes him well 
deserving of the Chuck Sherman Television Leadership Award. I would 
like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to my friend Ralph on this 
accomplishment and thank him for all he has done in service to his 
community.

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