[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 19]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 26056]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO BOB SANCHO

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOSE E. SERRANO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 15, 2005

  Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Mr. Robert 
Sancho, an outstanding individual and a dear friend who has dedicated 
many years of service to empowering the people of my community. Tonight 
the Citizens Advisory Board will recognize him for his many 
achievements in the City of New York.
  Bob was born and raised in the South Bronx. He is a product of the 
New York City Public School system and went on to complete a Bachelor 
of Arts Degree at the Inter-American University in San German, Puerto 
Rico specializing in Education and Political Science. As an 
undergraduate Bob was awarded a Minority Urban Education Scholarship 
and completed a Teaching Fellowship in both Urban and Rural School 
Districts on the Island of Puerto Rico. He received a scholarship to 
the prestigious Graduate School of Urban Affairs at Hunter College 
where he completed his Masters of Science Degree.
  Throughout his career Bob has held positions of great importance in 
the City of New York and has demonstrated his ability to work extremely 
well under pressure. As Deputy Superintendent of Schools in Community 
School District Number 4, he took the district from last place (32nd) 
in reading and math to 13th among New York City School districts. This 
feat was achieved over a 7 year period and was considered one of the 
most successful educational accomplishments in America.
  During the 1960s Bob was successful in organizing the East Harlem 
Community against attempts by the Mayor to close down Metropolitan 
Hospital Center which provided much needed services to the people of 
that community.
  In 1981 Bob was appointed Vice President of Development and External 
Affairs at Bronx Lebanon Hospital Center, the second largest medical 
facility in the Bronx. During his 23 year tenure at the hospital, Bob 
was an important catalyst in securing over 240 million dollars in New 
York State guaranteed Bonds. These bond issues financed the 
construction of three new buildings and provided for the rehabilitation 
of the existing hospital buildings. In addition his department has 
raised approximately $15 million during the last several years for 
various hospital programs.
  Mr. Speaker, what makes Bob such a unique an incredible person is 
that he is willing to put his knowledge and skills to work for causes 
that help everyday people. Such selflessness is hard to find in today's 
world. The great work that Bob does at the Bronx Lebanon Hospital 
Center inspires me to work harder in Washington for the people of the 
Bronx. It is my hope that he will continue to work to empower and 
protect those who need it most.
  For his unyielding spirit and selfless dedication to the citizens of 
New York, I ask that my colleagues join me in paying tribute to Mr. Bob 
Sancho as he is recognized for his many achievements by the board of 
the Citizens Advice Board.

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