[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 13] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page 18418] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]IN RECOGNITION OF MR. DONALD WILLIAMS, SR. ______ HON. VERNON J. EHLERS of michigan in the house of representatives Tuesday, November 30, 2010 Mr. EHLERS. Madam Speaker, it is my distinct pleasure to join with students, parents, friends and staff of Mr. Donald Williams, Sr., to pay tribute to him as he steps back from his intense community involvement including his work with the Gerald R. Ford Job Corps Center. I have had the privilege of working on many civic and community activities with Don throughout the years, and am delighted to honor him today. Don Williams, Sr. received his Bachelor's degree in special education at Eastern Michigan University and went on to receive a Master's degree in educational administration from West Virginia University. Assuming responsibility for the administration of special colleges at Rutgers University was the beginning of Don's career, which has spanned over 30 years of experience in the administration of special programs with special emphasis and political sensitivity. Throughout his career, Don has received widespread recognition for his considerable talent in assisting minority students. In 1980, his devotion to improving opportunities for minority youth led him to Grand Rapids, when he was approached by a group of educators and professionals working to create a residential training center for youth. This position led Don to be named Director of the Minority Business Education Center at the prestigious F.E. Seidman School of Business at Grand Valley State University. In 1989, he was named GVSU Dean of Minority Affairs/Multicultural Center. During his service at GVSU, Don coordinated and developed programs to assist minority students on campus, and created a very visible and dynamic outreach to other community organizations and activities, including development of the Minority Teacher Education Center and Minority Science Education Center. For the past several years, Don has devoted his time and talents to the Gerald R. Ford Job Corps Center, an organization that provides quality job training and education so students can become equipped with the skills and self-discipline necessary for success in today's workforce. Don has been recognized by the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce as Minority Advocate of the Year, has received the coveted Liberty Bell award from the Grand Rapids Bar Association, and was named the Walter E. Coe Giant for Outstanding Community Service in 1991. In 2008, he received special recognition from the Grand Rapids community by being named their ``Giant Among Giants.'' When Don received the Giants award, I wrote him that his life is notable because of his commitment to ending racial inequities and mentoring the next generation. Through his strong convictions, Don has demonstrated to others that lives can be transformed. He has a unique and wonderful willingness to be outspoken when he senses an injustice. Many of us have been influenced by Don's unwavering principles but, along the way, he has never lost his perspective or his great sense of humor. Having the chance to impact students in a very positive way lured Don to our community, and with his vision of hope, he has mightily impacted not just our youth, but all of us as well. May his love for community, students and a brighter future through education never end! ____________________