November 8, 2007 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E2357 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS

CELEBRATION OF THE 60TH children, family and friends in wishing David Ed St. John founded St. John Properties, Inc. BIRTHDAY OF DAVID ALLEN Allen a very happy and blessed 60th birthday! Since 1971, St. John Properties has devel- And I wish you many, many, more. oped, constructed, and maintained ownership HON. STEPHANIE TUBBS JONES f of over 13 million square feet of office, indus- OF OHIO trial, and retail space. The company serves HONORING ‘‘DIGGER’’ O’DELL, 2007 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES business space requirements of over 1,600 LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD tenants in , Colorado, Wisconsin, Vir- Thursday, November 8, 2007 WINNER ginia, and Louisiana. Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Madam Speaker, it Ed is a leader and active member of the gives me great pleasure to rise today in honor HON. TIMOTHY WALBERG community. He serves on the boards of sev- of my dear friend David Allen, who will cele- OF MICHIGAN eral organizations, including the University of brate his 60th birthday on November 15, 2007. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Maryland, County, the Economic Al- Born in Pittsburgh, PA, and raised in the liance for Greater Baltimore, Anne Arundel Collinwood/Glenville neighborhood of Cleve- Thursday, November 8, 2007 County Economic Development Corporation, land, David is a proud 1965 graduate of Glen- Mr. WALBERG. Madam Speaker, I rise the Johns Hopkins University Real Estate In- ville High School. He went on to receive an today to recognize Donald ‘‘Digger’’ O’Dell stitute, and the Maryland Science Center. He associate’s degree from Cuyahoga Community upon receiving the 2007 Lifetime Achievement was inducted into the Baltimore County Cham- College, bachelor’s degree from Cleveland Award. It is with great admiration I congratu- ber of Commerce Hall of Fame in 2001, and State University and a master’s degree from late Donald ‘‘Digger’’ O’Dell on behalf of all named Maryland Entrepreneur of the Year for Boston University. Additionally, David served those who have benefited from his hard work Real Estate in 1997. honorably in the Army obtaining and dedication. Ed St. John created the Edward A. St. John the rank of captain. Digger O’Dell is a lifelong resident of Chel- Foundation in 1998 with a philanthropic focus David began his career as a research econ- sea, Michigan. He served his country in the on educational enrichment for children based omist at the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, Korean War from 1952 to 1955, and continues on the belief that education has the power to where he researched the impact of reserve re- to serve his country and his community transform lives and strengthen communities. quirements on commercial bank profitability in through his continuous acts of kindness. To date, more than $40 million has been Federal Reserve District I. Whether it is helping to roof a home, cleaning pledged and donated through outright con- In 1975, he came to the hill as a majority the snow off a sidewalk, or taking someone to tributions and gifts-in-kind to over 300 edu- staff consultant for the House Budget Com- the airport or hospital, he never seeks ac- cational, medical, philanthropic, and other non- mittee. There he served as staff liaison to my knowledgement in the things that he does, be- profit organizations throughout the Baltimore/ predecessor Congressman and cause in his own words, ‘‘it’s what human Washington region. Congressman Parren Mitchell. Some of the beings should do.’’ Many colleges and universities have bene- highlights of his tenure include: heading task Mr. O’Dell is retired from Chelsea Proving fited enormously from Ed’s philanthropic en- forces on health, labor and education, and Grounds and has been a part-time employee deavors. The Edward St. John Endowed housing and community development; helping of Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home for the past Scholarship at Bowie State University provides develop first Congressional Black Caucus Al- 25 years. He is a member of the Washtenaw scholarships based on merit and financial ternative Budget; and authoring the first 10 County Veterans Honor Guard and performs need to full-time students who are majoring in percent minority business set-aside included on average 100 military funerals per year. Dig- either business administration or mathematics. as an amendment in the Local Public Works ger has been a member of the American Le- In addition, he has made a $5.85 million com- Act of 1976. He would later serve as senior gion Post 31 and the VFW Post 4076 for well mitment to the Johns Hopkins University economist for the Joint Economic Committee over 50 years. School of Professional Studies in Business where he advised Congressman Stokes on The most thoughtful act of kindness oc- and Education. His donation will launch a full- business and economic development issues in curred this past year when Digger and his wife time master’s degree program to complement the Cleveland district. Margaret placed over 1,200 flags on graves of the university’s part-time real estate cur- After years of public and private service, veterans in the Chelsea area. They have done riculum. David and his wife Sandra founded The this meaningful job for many years, but this Madam Speaker, I ask that you join with me KEVRIC Company, Inc. in 1981, which was year they had no assistance. As he continues today to honor Edward, Ed, St. John. His leg- named in honor of their two sons, Kevin and to serve his country and his community, it is acy as a leader in real estate will be matched Eric. The company provided management, realized that Donald ‘‘Digger’’ O’Dell is one of only by his devotion to philanthropic projects. technical, and scientific support services to pri- the unsung heroes of Chelsea. It is with great pride that I congratulate Ed St. vate and public sector clients. He sold the I personally thank Donald ‘‘Digger’’ O’Dell John on his exemplary career in the real es- KEVRIC Company in 2003 and would later for his continued service to his country and tate business. found another consulting firm, Stephco, named the Chelsea community. May others know of f as a tribute to his daughter. my high regard for his selfless contributions Though we grew up in close proximity to and service to others, as well as my best CONGRATULATING RALEIGH each other, I did not meet David until he wishes for him in the future. WILKERSON ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT began dating my dear friend Sandra when we f were students at Case Western Reserve Uni- versity. Since that time our friendship has con- HONORING EDWARD (ED) ST. JOHN HON. JO BONNER tinued to grow. David’s stellar accomplish- OF ALABAMA ments and success reflect his tremendous HON. C. A. DUTCH RUPPERSBERGER IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES hard work and determination. He is a shining OF MARYLAND Thursday, November 8, 2007 example for people of color and all people of IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES the realization of the ‘‘American Dream’’ and I Mr. BONNER. Madam Speaker, it is with am extremely proud to call him my friend. Thursday, November 8, 2007 great pride and pleasure that I rise to honor On behalf of the people of the 11th Con- Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Madam Speaker, I the long and distinguished career of Raleigh gressional District, I am extremely pleased to rise before you today to honor Edward, Ed, St. Wilkerson, on the occasion of his retirement join with his wife Sandra; children Kevin, Eric John, founder, president, and CEO of St. John from the Alabama Farmers Federation. and Stephanie, my goddaughter and name- Properties, Inc. After graduating from the Uni- With a career spanning over 33 years, Ra- sake; his two daughters-in-law, three grand- versity of Maryland in College Park in 1961, leigh served in almost every capacity at the

∑ This ‘‘bullet’’ symbol identifies statements or insertions which are not spoken by a Member of the Senate on the floor. Matter set in this typeface indicates words inserted or appended, rather than spoken, by a Member of the House on the floor.

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