[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 3]
[Senate]
[Page 4302]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO STEVEN J. GOOLS

  Ms. STABENOW. Madam President, I rise today on behalf of myself and 
Senator Levin to pay tribute to Stephen J. Gools, a tireless champion 
of causes important to senior citizens and an agent of positive social 
change throughout his long and distinguished career. Indeed, there are 
many across Michigan that have benefited greatly from his many efforts 
over the years.
  Since March 2000, Steve has served as director of the AARP Michigan 
State Office in Lansing, leading a team of 11 staff and serving more 
than 1.4 million AARP members in the Great Lakes State. Under his 
leadership, AARP Michigan has been enormously successful in protecting 
consumers, championing the rights of those over the age of 50 in 
communities across our State and helping AARP members live their lives 
to the fullest. His innovative volunteer training and development 
conferences have served as the gold standard for State management 
within AARP.
  Prior to joining AARP, Steve served as communications director for 
the Michigan Democratic Party and held senior management positions with 
Michigan candidates. Steve worked for me as my communications director 
and played an instrumental role in electing me to Congress. In 
addition, he worked for the bipartisan Northeast-Midwest Congressional 
Coalition and the U.S. House Budget Committee Task Force on Community 
and Natural Resources.
  Throughout his professional career, Steve has been a role model and 
shining example of leadership, intellectual curiosity, courage and 
determination. He always met his responsibilities with warmth, humor, 
and infectious enthusiasm.
  To honor his work and leadership, AARP has announced the 
establishment of the Stephen J. Gools Award for Social Change. The 
annual award will recognize a Michigan individual or organization that 
demonstrates outstanding achievement in improving the lives of the 50+ 
population in our State.
  It is most fitting that the award will bear the name of a man who has 
championed the causes of justice, compassion, and equality throughout 
his life. The award will encourage and recognize those who seek to 
follow in his footsteps.
  We are grateful to him, his wife Kimberly, and his family for the 
work he has done for the people of Michigan and our country. He has had 
a lasting impact on the lives of many, and we honor his dedicated 
service.

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