[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 2 (Wednesday, January 28, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E32]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                      HONORING KAREN HYMAN SUSMAN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEN BENTSEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 28, 1998

  Mr. BENTSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the memory of an 
extraordinary woman, Karen Hyman Susman of Houston, who passed away 
December 3, 1997, at the age of 55. Her passing is a tremendous loss 
for her family, including her husband Stephen and their two children, 
Stacy and Harry; her friends; and all who believe in the honor of 
public service.
  A distinguished attorney and dedicated community leader, Karen Susman 
contributed in countless ways to building a better future for Houston, 
especially the city's Jewish community, the arts, and education.
  Mrs. Susman volunteered 20 tireless years to the Anti-Defamation 
League and its mission, including serving as Southwest Regional Chair 
and National Commissioner. She took ADL to a new level in terms of 
fund-raising and programming. She also served on the Board of Directors 
of the National Conference of Christians and Jews and on the Community 
Relations Council of the Jewish Federation of Houston, working with 
leaders of many faiths to improve religious and cultural understanding 
in Houston and throughout the nation. She dedicated her time and energy 
generously to other Jewish organizations as well, including the Lion of 
Judah Jewish Federation, Congregation Beth Israel, and the King David 
Society Jewish Federation. She and her husband, Stephen, endowed the 
Karen and Stephen Susman Hall, Slifka Center for Jewish Life, at Yale 
University.
  Karen Susman was also a dedicated and valuable member of the Houston 
arts community, active on the boards of the Houston Symphony, Glassell 
School of Art, Houston Grand Opera, and the Contemporary Arts Museum. 
She had a great commitment to art as part of a strong community and 
worked to ensure that Houstonians from all walks of life could enjoy 
our city's many artistic and cultural treasures. She was especially 
concerned about increasing opportunities for young people to learn 
about art, serving on the University of Houston Art Department Friends 
Board and the Yale Art Gallery Board of Directors.
  Karen Susman was not only a dedicated volunteer and community leader, 
but a distinguished lawyer as well. A graduate of the University of 
Houston Law Center, she was a Board Certified specialist in family law 
and frequently served as a court-appointed mediator.
  Whatever she did, Karen Susman's intelligence, enthusiasm, and 
integrity served her and all those she encountered well. She brought a 
tireless energy, an unflagging drive, and a passionate caring to each 
of her endeavors, wearing many hats along the way. Karen Susman will be 
remembered for these qualities and her dedication to making the world a 
better place.
  Mr. Speaker, Mrs. Susman's life was full, but her years among us were 
far too few. A remarkable woman, a distinguished attorney and 
volunteer, Karen Hyman Susman embodied the best of Houston and of 
Jewish life and experience. We are all infinitely richer for her legacy 
and were blessed with her wisdom, compassion, dignity and humor.

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