[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 41 (Friday, March 22, 1996)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E418] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] TRIBUTE TO MARTIN BEGUN ______ HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of new york in the house of representatives Thursday, March 21, 1996 Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise tonight to bring to the attention of my colleagues the outstanding achievements of a community leader who is truly dedicated to public service. Martin S. Begun serves as senior associate dean of the New York University School of Medicine and vice president of external affairs of New York University Medical Center. Dean Begun serves as liaison to government officials on the city, State and Federal level. In addition, Marty oversees the public affairs and alumni relations offices of NYU Medical Center and School of Medicine. In July of 1995, in tribute to his years of activism and leadership in the Jewish community, Marty also assumed the presidency of the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York. JCRC is a representative organization encompassing over 60 major civic, communal, educational and religious groups within New York City's diverse Jewish community. As long as I have known Marty, he has been deeply involved in community service. He is a man who lives by the Talmudic maxim: ``If I am not for myself, who will be? and if I'm only for myself, what am I?'' Marty has worked tirelessly to raise the standards of the NYU Medical School. That is a critical task which affects Americans nationwide. Three medical schools in New York, NYU Medical School included, train approximately 15 percent of all doctors who practice medicine in the United States. What is good for NYU Medical School is good for the American people. Marty is always up-to-date on public policy. A long-time advocate for compassionate care for the homeless mentally ill, Marty often advises prominent public figures on the subjects of health care, public health, community relations and Jewish affairs. He was an excellent resource for me when health care reform was at the top of the national agenda in the 103d Congress. He advised me on the viability of the Clinton health plan, taking into consideration how it would impact not just the hospital and the medical school, but my constituents and New York City in general. While he sees the big picture, Marty never loses sight of the details. Throughout his tenure at NYU, Marty has seen to it that expansion of the NYU Medical Center complex has been carried out with great sensitivity to quality of life in the community. Until 1994, Marty also served the city of New York for 18 years as chairman of the community services board of the city's department of mental health, mental retardation and alcoholism services. He continues to sit on the boards of the executive committee of the Associated Medical Schools of New York, and, by appointment of the Governor of New York State, on the Battery Park City Authority. Mr. Speaker, for all of his good work; for his compassion; for his commitment to his community, his city and his country, Marty Begun has earned a reputation as mensch. I owe Marty a debt of gratitude for doing so much fine work in my district. And the city of New York owes him much, much more. ____________________