Tribute to Kendall Wingrove

by Michael J. Rogers

Tribute to Kendall Wingrove

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HON. MIKE ROGERS

OF MICHIGAN
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Wednesday, February 11, 2004

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan, Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the accomplishments of Mr. Kendall Wingrove of East Lansing, MI, who will be honored this month by the National Foundation of Women Legislators when they present him with their 2004 Media Excellence Award at special ceremonies in Washington, DC.

A native of Michigan's St. Clair County, Kendall is the proud descendant of a long line of milkmen, with his father and grandfather alike holding down milk routes in Macomb County. Kendall married Molly Hull in 1992 and they have two children, Ethan, 8, and Catherine, 6. A devoted father and husband, Kendall lavishes much attention on his family.

Kendall's path to Lansing started off at St. Clair Community College, where he worked on the school paper, then later attended Central Michigan University, where he received his B.A., followed by Michigan State University to earn his M.A.

Kendall's master's thesis was on the role of women in journalism on the American frontier during the 19th century.

In 1982, Kendall began work in the Republican Communications Office in the Michigan House of Representatives. During his more than two decades of service, Kendall has turned out scores of award-winning projects that have served the members of the House and the people of Michigan. Kendall has worked as a writer, a media strategist and department director. He has counseled members on media and legisiative term issues. In an era of term limits, Kendall's work has helped hundreds of members of the Michigan House navigate the difficult waters of media relations and State politics.

Kendall also has never been too busy to impart a wise word of advice or to patiently explain the workings of the legislature or the potential outcomes of a media event to House staff.

Kendall has always had an interest in government and politics. During the 1968 campaign, he reported to his 5th grade class that he had seen Presidential candidate Richard Nixon say "Sock it to me?" on "Laugh In." While his teachers and fellow students did not believe him, he was correct.

Kendall's knowledge of the history of American politics is extensive and he can speak knowledgeably on a broad variety of topics related to things political, ranging from the Vice Presidency of Garret Hobart to Harry Truman's 1948 Labor Day whistle stop trip through Michigan. Kendall also is an expert on the pets owned by our chief executives and their children.

Outside of his work with the legislature, Kendall has written extensively about the history of Michigan and the men and women who built the State. His historical work has been published in the Detroit News, the Detroit Free Press, Michigan History magazine, and a host of other publications throughout Michigan. Kendall has personally interviewed scores of older Michigan residents as he works to chart the history of Michigan.

Kendall is skilled at his chosen profession, an excellent public servant, a chronicler of history, and a good and loyal friend and family man.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Kendall Wingrove who is well deserving of the special honor he receives from the National Foundation for Women Legislators. He truly merits our respect and admiration.