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Rep. Edolphus Towns

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the very distinguished, Dr. W. Ruth Whitney. Dr. Whitney is married to the Reverend Dr. Curtis L. Whitney, and is the First Lady of the Mt. Sinai Baptist Church in Brooklyn, New York. She is also a proud mother and grandmother.

Dr. Whitney received her Bachelor of Science Degree from the New York State University at Old Westbury. She earned her Masters Degree in Social Work from Adelphi University, located in Garden City, Long Island.

Dr. Whitney is an active community servant in the borough of Brooklyn, where she resides. Dr. Whitney's outstanding leadership propelled her to the forefront of movements that promote positive change and development to enhance the quality of life in many diverse communities throughout the Nation. New York Newsday named her ``Outstanding Personality of the Week'' in 1992. She received the ``Woman of Distinction Award'', presented to her by New York State Senator Velmanette Montgomery in 2001. She establishes programs for Christian education and Christian leadership throughout the Nation.

Dr. Whitney is the Assistant Dean of the Interdenominational Ministers' Wives & Ministers' Widows; Vice-President (Kings County), Ministers' Wives and Ministers' Widows Fellowship of Eastern Baptist Association; First-Vice President, New York State Interdenominational Ministers' Wives & Ministers' Widows; Vice President, Empire State Convention Ministers' Wives & Ministers' Widows; Member of the National Black Alcoholism Council, Inc.; Member of Lefferts Gardens Civic Association of Brooklyn, NY, Inc; and Co-Instructor for class: ``Marriage & Family for Couples'', at the National Baptist Congress of Christian Education. Dr. Whitney is also Dean, Empire Baptist State Convention Ministers' Wives & Ministers' Widows; President, Eastern Baptist Association of Ministers' Wives & Widows, Fellowship of New York; President, Baptist Ministers' Wives & Ministers' Widows of Greater New York & Vicinity; Assistant Secretary, Empire State Convention Ministers' Wives & Ministers' Widows; Founder, New Members Ministry, Mt. Sinai Baptist Church, Brooklyn, NY; and Advisory Council Member, New York Organ Donor Network--Saving lives through organ and tissue donation.

Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize the impressive achievements of Dr. Whitney for her contribution to the betterment of communities throughout Brooklyn, New York.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to the very distinguished Dr. W. Ruth Whitney.