[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 68 (Thursday, May 26, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: May 26, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                       THE AMERICAN DREAM AT WORK

                                 ______


                          HON. DONALD M. PAYNE

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 26, 1994

  Mr. PAYNE of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to bring to the 
attention of my colleagues the illustrious career of Eugene O'Hara of 
New Jersey. Gene will soon retire from The Prudential Insurance Co. 
Gene is a prime example of the American dream at work. He began his 39-
year Prudential career as a $37-a-week mail clerk in the audit 
department. He was a 17-year-old young man who had just graduated high 
school, the St. Benedict's Prep School, a few blocks from his place of 
employment.
  Gene went to college at night, receiving his bachelor's degree in 
accounting from Rutgers University in 1962 and doing graduate work in 
accounting at City College of New York for an additional 6 years, also 
at night. As Gene became more qualified, he was given opportunities to 
do more and more work in the financial areas. In 1982, at 45, Gene was 
named comptroller of the Prudential. He was the company's senior 
financial officer. In 1991, Gene become Prudential's first chief 
financial officer.
  Gene is a very caring individual and it shows. He has made a 
commitment to the development of our young people. He has proved this 
time and time again through his work with St. Benedict's Prep School 
and the members of his staff. Gene has stated that he had many mentors 
at Prudential, but I know there are many Prudential employees, 
including many executives, who acknowledge Eugene O'Hara as their 
mentor.
  I am sure Gene's retirement years will be full of activities that 
will continue to benefit the New Jersey community. He is a member of 
the board of trustees of St. Benedict's Prep, Rutgers University; 
treasurer and board member of the New Jersey Ballet and a member of the 
New Jersey Council on the Arts.
  Mr. Speaker, I am sure my colleagues will want to join me in 
congratulating Eugene O'Hara on his retirement and wish him godspeed.

                          ____________________