[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 13]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 18418]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




               IN RECOGNITION OF MR. DONALD WILLIAMS, SR.

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. VERNON J. EHLERS

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 30, 2010

  Mr. EHLERS. Madam Speaker, it is my distinct pleasure to join with 
students, parents, friends and staff of Mr. Donald Williams, Sr., to 
pay tribute to him as he steps back from his intense community 
involvement including his work with the Gerald R. Ford Job Corps 
Center. I have had the privilege of working on many civic and community 
activities with Don throughout the years, and am delighted to honor him 
today.
  Don Williams, Sr. received his Bachelor's degree in special education 
at Eastern Michigan University and went on to receive a Master's degree 
in educational administration from West Virginia University. Assuming 
responsibility for the administration of special colleges at Rutgers 
University was the beginning of Don's career, which has spanned over 30 
years of experience in the administration of special programs with 
special emphasis and political sensitivity.
  Throughout his career, Don has received widespread recognition for 
his considerable talent in assisting minority students. In 1980, his 
devotion to improving opportunities for minority youth led him to Grand 
Rapids, when he was approached by a group of educators and 
professionals working to create a residential training center for 
youth. This position led Don to be named Director of the Minority 
Business Education Center at the prestigious F.E. Seidman School of 
Business at Grand Valley State University. In 1989, he was named GVSU 
Dean of Minority Affairs/Multicultural Center. During his service at 
GVSU, Don coordinated and developed programs to assist minority 
students on campus, and created a very visible and dynamic outreach to 
other community organizations and activities, including development of 
the Minority Teacher Education Center and Minority Science Education 
Center. For the past several years, Don has devoted his time and 
talents to the Gerald R. Ford Job Corps Center, an organization that 
provides quality job training and education so students can become 
equipped with the skills and self-discipline necessary for success in 
today's workforce.
  Don has been recognized by the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce 
as Minority Advocate of the Year, has received the coveted Liberty Bell 
award from the Grand Rapids Bar Association, and was named the Walter 
E. Coe Giant for Outstanding Community Service in 1991. In 2008, he 
received special recognition from the Grand Rapids community by being 
named their ``Giant Among Giants.''
  When Don received the Giants award, I wrote him that his life is 
notable because of his commitment to ending racial inequities and 
mentoring the next generation. Through his strong convictions, Don has 
demonstrated to others that lives can be transformed. He has a unique 
and wonderful willingness to be outspoken when he senses an injustice. 
Many of us have been influenced by Don's unwavering principles but, 
along the way, he has never lost his perspective or his great sense of 
humor.
  Having the chance to impact students in a very positive way lured Don 
to our community, and with his vision of hope, he has mightily impacted 
not just our youth, but all of us as well. May his love for community, 
students and a brighter future through education never end!

                          ____________________