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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E113-E114]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING LAURA SMITH ON THE OCCASION OF HER RETIREMENT
______
HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO
of connecticut
in the house of representatives
Thursday, January 30, 2020
Ms. DeLAURO. Madam Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to rise today
to join the many family, friends, and colleagues who have gathered to
celebrate with our dear friend, Laura Smith, who is retiring from Yale
University after thirty-nine years of dedicated service. In a career
that has spanned four decades, Laura has become a fixture at the
University, earning a respected reputation for her dedication as well
as her commitment to her colleagues.
Laura's career at Yale began in the Bursar's Office where she served
as a Collection Correspondent in the Student Loan Collection
Department. In the decade that she spent there, she built lasting
memories--many of which include calls made using a rotary phone as well
as tracking collections with microfiche and pin-fed spreadsheets. Those
of us who can remember using those technology trends can appreciate the
humor with which she recalls those years. Laura's second decade with
Yale began as an Editorial Assistant in the Alumni Records Department
where she was tasked with maintaining the class reunion directories.
Shortly after beginning this new role, the Department was merged with
the Office of Development which has been Laura's professional home ever
since. Over the course of her tenure in the Office of Development,
Laura has held a myriad of positions and taken on a variety of
responsibilities--all in support of alumni activities and
communications.
In addition to her years of service within Development, Laura has
been involved with the Local 34 union as an active member and leader
throughout her career. In 1994, Laura was elected President of Local
34, a position in which she served for sixteen years. It was in her
role with Local 34 that I had the opportunity to work closely with
Laura. Her leadership, vision, compassion, and commitment not only
inspired her members, but in all of us who support the labor movement.
She proudly stood shoulder to shoulder with her hard-working
colleagues, fighting to ensure that they were receiving a living wage,
working in a safe environment, and were secure in their health and
retirement. Laura was and is a passionate advocate for workers' rights
and has long been a pillar of support for her union colleagues. Her
tireless advocacy and unwavering support for her union brothers and
sisters will most certainly be missed, though I have no doubt that she
will continue to find ways to contribute to the cause.
Today, as Laura marks the end of her professional career, I hope that
she knows how many lives she has touched and what a difference she has
made. I am proud to stand today to extend my heartfelt congratulations
to Laura Smith as she celebrates her retirement. I wish her all the
best for many more years of health and happiness.
[[Page E114]]
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