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“HONORING THERESA SIRICO FOR HER OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE COMMUNITY” mentioning the U.S. Dept of State was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E2123 on Nov. 22, 2002.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
HONORING THERESA SIRICO FOR HER OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE
COMMUNITY
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HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO
of connecticut
in the house of representatives
Friday, November 22, 2002
Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to pay tribute to an outstanding member of the New Haven community--
Theresa Sirico. The founder of the Louis and Joan Sirico Center for Elders and Families at Southern Connecticut State University, Theresa's generosity and compassion will touch the lives of thousands throughout Greater New Haven and millions across the country.
As a child, I knew Louis and Joan Sirico as neighbors and friends, working with my parents to enrich our neighborhood. The Siricos were both active advocates for our families and our community. Much as my own parents, they passed these values to their seven children. Both Louis and Joan suffered strokes, left without the abilities to care for themselves. In both instances, their family members came together to provide them the care they needed through their last days. However, not all are fortunate enough to have families who are willing or able to take on these challenges.
With the ``baby boomer'' generation approaching retirement age, more and more of our nation's seniors are looking for access to the care and companionship they need and rightly deserve. Theresa Sirico, recognizing the need for increased interest in geriatric care, took action. With a generous donation of a quarter of a million dollars, Theresa started the effort to establish a national model for improving the quality of life for our seniors. With a large anonymous donation, fund-raising efforts, and matching funds from the State Department of Higher Education, Theresa's vision of the Louis and Joan Sirico Center for Elders and Families became a reality.
The Sirico Center combines both undergraduate and graduate studies with hands-on workshops and seminars. Blending the studies of nursing, social work, and public health, the Center will be an invaluable resource for those interested in geriatric care. In a time when our nation is facing an ever increasing senior population and a lack of geriatric health care professionals, the Sirico Center is sure to be an asset not only to the Greater New Haven area, but to communities throughout the nation. The Sirico Center for Elders and Families will not only provide education for health professionals, but will generate excitement and interest in the field of geriatric medicine. This is the true gift of Theresa Sirico.
I am honored to rise today to join family, friends, and the staff and faculty of the Louis and Joan Sirico Center for Elders and Families in extending my deepest thanks and appreciation to Theresa Sirico for her outstanding contributions to our community. Seniors and their families will benefit greatly from her unique vision and unparalleled dedication.
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