2017 Senate Joint Resolution 92
ENROLLED JOINT RESOLUTION
Relating to: commemorating the life and accomplishments of Robert Rama Williams.
Whereas, Robert Rama Williams was born on September 5, 1925, in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, to Ralph Williams and Jeannette Gibson; and
Whereas, Robert spent his childhood growing up in Neenah, Wisconsin, before enrolling at the University of Wisconsin–Madison in 1943; and
Whereas, Robert joined a Navy program where his unit was subsequently sent to Oberlin College in Ohio for continued education; and
Whereas, in 1945, Robert returned to the University of Wisconsin–Madison, and following his graduation in 1949, worked for the U.S. Department of Agriculture and as an editor for Gas Magazines; and
Whereas, Robert was married to Mary Markham in Janesville, Wisconsin, before moving with his family to Stevens Point, Wisconsin, in 1953; and
Whereas, his previous work in public relations at the Kohler Company led to Robert's eventual formation of his own public relations firm, Idea Associates, in 1958; and
Whereas, during his career, Robert aided in a multitude of political campaigns, including several for the Wisconsin Supreme Court, as well as those of Melvin R. Laird and Lee Sherman Dreyfus; and
Whereas, Robert's public relations clients included the Marshfield Clinic, the Copps Company, Good Roads Association, the University of Wisconsin Alumni Association, and others; and
Whereas, one of Robert's most significant works was assisting Melvin R. Laird in the Laird Youth Leadership Campaign at the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point; and
Whereas, throughout the course of his life, Robert was awarded many honors, such as the Distinguished Service Award from the University of Wisconsin–Madison's School of Journalism, the Letters and Science Community Award and Significant Achievement Award from the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point, and the Quality of Life Leadership Award from St. Michael's Foundation; and
Whereas, Robert's life was changed when he contracted polio in 1954, but it led to his outstanding educational efforts on post-polio syndrome research and awareness, for which he was honored by the Rotary Club of Stevens Point; and
Whereas, Robert was an outstanding citizen, who loved his family and friends, and contributed greatly to his community and the State of Wisconsin; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the
senate, the assembly concurring, That the members of the Wisconsin Legislature honor the life and the exceptional accomplishments of Robert Rama Williams; and, be it further
Resolved, That the senate chief clerk shall provide a copy of this resolution to his family.
