[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. ____________________