[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 13]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 17898]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                PAYING TRIBUTE TO PIERRE AND PAM OMIDYAR

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                           HON. JON C. PORTER

                               of nevada

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 12, 2006

  Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Pierre and Pam Omidyar 
for their innovative philanthropic work.
  Pierre Omidyar graduated from Tufts University in 1988, with a degree 
in Computer Science. After graduating college, Pierre began working as 
a software engineer for Claris, a subsidiary of the Apple Computer 
Company. He co-founded Ink Development Corp. which was later acquired 
by Microsoft. Shortly thereafter, at just 28 years old, Pierre created 
the website that would become eBay.
  Pam Omidyar graduated from Tufts University in 1988, with a degree in 
Biology. She earned a Masters in Molecular Biology at the University of 
California, Santa Cruz and much of her early career was spent in 
laboratory research. Throughout her life, Pam has been devoted to 
bettering the world around her. She has committed herself to several 
causes, but is most passionate about helping alleviate chronic illness 
in children. She is the founder of HopeLab, a nonprofit organization 
dedicated to promoting scientific research that will help improve the 
quality of life for those who suffer from chronic illnesses.
  The intense financial success with eBay prompted Pierre and his wife 
Pam to find ways to give back to society. After moving to Henderson, 
Nevada, Pierre and Pam Omidyar converted their family foundation to the 
Omidyar Network. The Omidyar Network takes a very novel approach to 
charitable giving. Unlike most organizations of its kind, the Omidyar 
Network is founded on the principles of microfinance and has the 
ability to fund nonprofit, for-profit and public policy efforts. The 
mission of the Omidyar Network is to ``enable individual self-
empowerment on a global scale,'' and ``to employ business as a tool for 
social good.'' As a result of this outstanding network, countless 
people and organizations have received the tools necessary to cultivate 
economic growth, self-sufficiency and community enrichment.
       Pierre and Pam Omidyar remain actively involved with their 
     alma mater, Tufts University, as well as several other 
     organizations that strive to benefit society. To further 
     accomplish the goals of the Omidyar Network, the Omidyar's 
     recently donated 100 million dollars to Tufts University to 
     launch the Omidyar-Tufts Microfinance Fund.
       Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Pierre and Pam Omidyar for 
     their compassion and sincere desire to improve the world 
     around them. Their innovative approach has made a difference 
     in many lives and I wish them well in their continued 
     endeavors.

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