Abraham, Spencer   United States Senator

• The first Michigan Republican elected to the Senate in 22 years, Senator Abraham is the son of an auto worker and "mom and pop" shop owner.
• Senator Abraham is a member of the Senate Judiciary, Commerce, and Budget Committees. As Chairman of the Immigration Subcommittee, he has fought to toughen enforcement measures against illegal immigrants while keeping our borders open to legal immigrants who want to come to this country to play by our rules. And as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Manufacturing and Competitiveness, Senator Abraham has sought to provide a forum for the manufacturing base of our economy with the goal of enhancing its competitiveness.
• Prior to serving in the U.S. Senate, Spence Abraham was Chairman of the Michigan Republican Party, where he played a critical role in the election of Governor John Engler. He also served as Deputy Chief of Staff to the Vice-President.
• Born and raised in East Lansing, Spence Abraham is a graduate of Michigan State University and Harvard Law School. Senator Abraham and his wife Jane are the proud parents of three children: twin daughters Betsy and Julie, and baby boy Spencer Robert. The Abraham family currently resides in Auburn Hills, Michigan.

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DeBakey, Dr. Michael   Pioneer of Modern Medicine - Open-Heart Surgery

• A world- renowed medical pioneer, Dr. Michael Ellis DeBakey has helped raise the standard of health care for all mankind. in open-heart surgery to his recent pioneering work in the field of telemedicine, is a catalog of many of the greatest accomplishments in the history of medicine.

• Today he serves as Chancellor Emeritus of Baylor College of Medicine , is active on staff at The Methodist Hospital of Houston, and is internationally recognized as the most famous heart surgeon in the world and a living legend.

• Michael Ellis DeBakey is internationally recognized as a pioneer of modern medicine. An ingenious medical inventor and innovator, a gifted and dedicated teacher, a premier surgeon, and an international medical statesman, Dr. DeBakey is relentlessly pursuing new avenues in which modern technology can be applied to the practice of healing and saving lives. He is currently working with NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) to develop a self-contained, miniaturized artificial heart. His DeBakey-Raytheon-ITS telemedicine system uses satellites to electronically link remote sites of the world to the famed Texas Medical center for medical training and treatment.
• At age 88, DeBakey is a senior attending surgeon at The Methodist Hospital, the largest hospital in the Texas Medical Center. He is also chancellor emeritus of Baylor College of Medicine, a center for leading medical education and research.
• Born in Louisiana, DeBakey received his Bachelor's and medical degrees from Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana. He completed his internship at Charity Hospital in New Orleans, and residency in surgery at the University of Strasbourg, France and at the University of Heidelberg, Germany.
• While in medical school and actively engaged in medical research, DeBakey invented the roller pump, later to become a major component of the heart-lung machine used in open-heart surgery. He is also credited with inventing and perfecting other medical devices, techniques, and procedures that have saved countless lives and led to health hearts for millions throughout the world.
• DeBakey has received numerous honorary degrees from prestigious colleges and universities, as well as innumerable awards from educational institutions, professional and civic organizations, and governments worldwide. In 1969, he received the highest honor a United States citizen can receive - the Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction. In 1987, President Ronald Reagan awarded the National Medal of Science to DeBakey.
• In 1978, a 300-lb bronze bust of DeBakey, commissioned by King Leopold and Princess Liliane of Belgium, was unveiled. At the unveiling, the Princess said, "He has provided national and international leadership in fighting cardiovascular disease, and this bust will be a symbol of hope and encouragement to all who come here. The bust stands in the lobby of The Methodist Hospital in Houston, Texas. But, always nearby is Dr. DeBakey himself, also a symbol of hope and encouragement, and a true living legend.

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Farah, Roger   CEO Venator Group (ex-Woolworth Corp) including its the 2,848- store athletic shoes Foot Locker division

• Born in New York City in 1953, and holder of B.S. in Economics - 1975 University of Pennsylvania, Wharton School, Rogr Farah is widely recognized as one of the most savvy and accomplished retailers in the United States.
• Has a rich career in retailing, including positions as Senior Vice President of Saks Fifth Avenue, Chairman and CEO of Rich's Corp, Chairman and CEO of Federated Merchandizing, President and CEO of MACY's, President, Chairman, and CEO of Woolworth Corp.

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