[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 8]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 10968]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                 TRIBUTE TO HONORABLE RICARDO M. URBINA

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CHARLES A. GONZALEZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 12, 2011

  Mr. GONZALEZ. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring 
Judge Ricardo Manuel Urbina for his distinguished career and long 
outstanding service to his community.
  Over the course of his career as an NCAA track and field champion and 
Georgetown University honors graduate, he distinguished himself as an 
athlete and a scholar. In the early years of his life, Judge Urbina was 
frequently recognized for his exceptional athletic achievements which 
included his running in the 1968 Olympic trials. After receiving his 
law degree in 1970, he continued to break barriers with every stride 
further earning a stellar reputation as a trial lawyer, academician and 
tenacious advocate for the fair and equal administration of law.
  In 1981 President Reagan appointed him to the DC Superior Court. 
Thirteen years later, President Clinton appointed Judge Urbina to serve 
on the United States District Court for the District of Columbia where 
he currently presides after thirty years of service on the bench.
  I am inspired by Judge Urbina's steadfast commitment to the law and 
strict adherence to the highest ethical standards. Numerous lawyers, 
judges, and Latino leaders have had the privilege to be mentored by 
Judge Urbina and have benefited from his counsel and guidance. He has 
inspired a diverse network of people to strive to reach their fullest 
potential and pursue their dreams.
  Judge Urbina's career exemplifies not only notable legal 
accomplishments and a long history of achievements in every arena of 
endeavor, but also a man's tireless efforts to improve the line of 
succeeding generations. Mister Speaker, it is my distinct pleasure to 
congratulate Judge Urbina for his thirty years of service on the bench, 
to wish him the best as he assumes senior status and to recognize the 
many contributions he has made to the administration of justice.

                          ____________________