RESOLUTION
WHEREAS. Rita Levi-Montalcini has been called to eternal life by the wisdom of God at the age of 103; and
WHEREAS, The Chicago City Council has been informed of her passing by Alderman Edward M. Burke; and
WHEREAS, Over the objections of her father, Rita Levi-Montalcini obtained a degree in medicine and surgery from Turin University in 1936; and
WHEREAS, Barred from university work and professional life in 1938 on account of her Jewish ancestry, Rita Levi-Montalcini continued her ground-breaking research into cell growth mechanisms in private and under primitive conditions; and
WHEREAS, Along with her colleague Stanley Cohen, Rita Levi-Montalcini was awarded the Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine in 1986 for the discovery of nerve growth factor; and
WHEREAS, Rita Levi-Montalcini was appointed an Italian Senator-For-Life in 2001; and
WHEREAS, Rita Levi-Montalcini played an instrumental part in creating the European Brain Research Institute which opened in Rome in 2002; and
WHEREAS, Rita Levi-Montalcini was a mentor to many younger scientists whom she inspired with her passion for research and commitment to excellence; and
WHEREAS, The hard work, sacrifice and dedication of Rita Levi-Montalcini serve as an example to all; and
WHEREAS, Fler love of life and ability to live it to the fullest endeared Rita Levi-Montalcini to her family members, friends and all who knew her, and enabled her to enrich their lives in ways they will never forget; and
WHEREAS, Rita Levi-Montalcini imparts a legacy of faithfulness, service and dignity to the international scientific community; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and the members ofthe Chicago City Council, assembled this seventeenth day of January, 2013, do hereby commemorate Rita Levi-Montalcini for her grace-filled life and do hereby express our condolences; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a suitable copy ofthis resolution be presented to the family of Rita Levi-Montalcini.