[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 123 (Tuesday, September 21, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1911]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        TRIBUTE TO DR. BENJAMIN BARNES GRAVES OF HUNTSVILLE, AL

                                 ______
                                 

                    HON. ROBERT E. (BUD) CRAMER, JR.

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 21, 1999

  Mr. CRAMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an 
intellectual treasure of my district, Dr. Benjamin Graves of 
Huntsville, AL. Dr. Graves has excelled in all facets of academia. As a 
student, he cultivated a love of learning through his time at the 
University of Mississippi, Harvard University, University of Chicago 
and Louisiana State University. His 50-year career in industry and 
education includes professorships at Louisiana State University, 
University of Virginia, University of Mississippi, Pennsylvania State 
University, University of Alabama at Huntsville and University of North 
Carolina at Charlotte. He served as president of Millsaps College from 
1964-1969 and the University of Alabama at Huntsville from 1969-1978. 
His distinguished reputation as an academian is supported by the 
presentation of approximately 300 of Dr. Graves' papers to various 
audiences over 15 states in the course of the last 20 years.
  In honor of Dr. Graves' extraordinary service to the Huntsville 
community, he will be awarded the 1999 James Record Humanitarian Award 
by the Arthritis Foundation on September 21st. The description of the 
award ``given to a citizen devoted to promotion of human welfare as 
well as the advancement of social and cultural reform'' illustrates the 
essence of this man.
  Dr. Graves served his country in the U.S. Navy first on active duty 
from 1942-46 and then in the reserve from 1946-1955. On active duty 
during World War II, he served as a supply officer aboard three naval 
ships in the Atlantic and Pacific theaters. I believe this 
Congressional Record tribute is fitting for one who has given so much 
for both the defense of his nation and for the betterment of countless 
students across the Southeast.
  His love of learning is infectious. Dr. Graves carried his intimate 
and unparalleled knowledge of higher education to other countries when 
he was selected by the American Association of State Colleges and 
Universities to be a part of a study team to China and Taiwan. In 
addition to his exceptional professional contributions to our area, Dr. 
Graves has given of himself, establishing scholarships at both Millsaps 
and UAH and serving in his church, First United Methodist of Huntsville 
as a lecturer and administrative board member.
  Throughout his life, Dr. Graves has set a great example of how one 
person can make a huge difference in his community. I want to 
congratulate him on his well-deserved honor as the 1999 James Record 
Humanitarian Award and I want to commend him for his tireless efforts 
for the students of North Alabama.

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