[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 5965-5966]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




            CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF REGINALD E. GILLIAM, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHRIS VAN HOLLEN

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 27, 2012

  Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise 
today to recognize and celebrate the life of Reginald E. Gilliam, Jr. 
After a brave battle against lymphoma, Reg--as he was known--passed 
away on March 28, 2012 at the age of sixty-seven. Reg had an 
extraordinary career, honorably serving his country, mentoring 
students, and paving an inclusive path in politics and in life for all 
Americans.
  Reg served our country proudly and with distinction. As Legislative 
Counsel to Senator John Glenn, Reg developed legislation on education, 
economic development and urban safety and fire prevention, all of which 
were enacted into law. Reg also served in the sub-cabinet of New York 
Governor Mario Cuomo as his chief official in charge of surface 
transportation, and then as Chief of Staff to Congressman Louis Stokes. 
The breadth of his knowledge and the depth of his dedication to the 
people he served were always apparent, and his efforts led to his 
enriching the lives of countless people.
  As Vice Chairman and Commissioner of the U.S. Interstate Commerce 
Commission (ICC) under President Jimmy Carter, Reg promoted the 
inclusion of minorities throughout the transportation industry. No one 
was more proud of his appointment to this important position than his 
father, one of the original members of A. Philip Randolph's Brotherhood 
of Sleeping Car Porters and an employee of the railroad industry, which 
was closely regulated by the ICC. Reg was sworn into office by his 
father in an emotional and moving ceremony.
  Reg's influence was not limited to the public sector. As Senior 
Managing Director at Hill & Knowlton Worldwide Public Affairs, he 
represented large and small companies alike on legislative and 
regulatory policy. For the past ten years, he was Senior Vice President 
of Government Affairs at Sodexo, Inc., playing a vital role in shaping 
the company into the significant enterprise that it is today.
  Perhaps most notable was Reg's commitment to education. He was one of 
the founders of the Harvard Black Student Association, became its first 
Chairman and would eventually serve on the Board of Trustees for 
several colleges and universities. He also taught at the State 
University of New York and at Williams College.
  In addition to pursuing his own education, Reg always made sure to 
give back. During his time at Harvard, Reg served as a Voting Rights 
Act poll watcher in the South, volunteered on neighborhood safety 
patrols in Harlem, and wrote his final legal thesis on the Newark 
riots.
  Reg was dedicated to utilizing his own success to help others and 
spent countless hours mentoring and counseling young people. His 
service was recognized on numerous occasions, including his receipt of 
the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Harvard Black Law Association 
and the President's Award for Leadership & Excellence from the 
Washington Government Relations Group.
  Reg was a significant presence in our community. It takes an 
extraordinary person to approach every situation with the grace and 
compassion that Reg did. His good work made a difference in the lives 
of many, and he will always be remembered for his kindness, dedication 
and tireless efforts to help others.

[[Page 5966]]

  On a personal note, I had the privilege of working with Reg on a 
number of issues important to workers and businesses in our community. 
He always conducted himself with the highest degree of integrity and 
professionalism. He was careful to present all sides of an issue and 
explain what he was seeking to accomplish. In addition, Reg regularly 
took the time to ask how others were doing even as he was struggling 
with his own personal health challenges. I will miss his warm 
personality, good humor and sense of humanity.
  I send my deepest condolences to his wife Arleen and to his many 
friends, and I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering this 
remarkable man.

                          ____________________