[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 69 (Friday, May 9, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E913]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING IRVING B. HARRIS FOR HIS INVALUABLE CONTRIBUTIONS IN PUBLIC 
                                SERVICE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 9, 2003

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to rise today to join the 
Center for Human Potential and Public Policy and the many who have 
gathered at the University of Chicago to honor and celebrate the 
contributions of an outstanding American--a man who is my dear friend, 
Irving B. Harris. Today's Festschrift is a fitting tribute to a man who 
has spent a lifetime in the service of others.
  As I look over the course of Irving's life, I am struck by his 
countless acts of generosity and compassion. As an advocate, a 
philanthropist, and a leading voice for children, his achievements have 
left an indelible mark on our society. Irving Harris recognized early 
on that the key to our children's success lay in their most formative 
years, birth to three. He inspired, developed and supported scores of 
programs and organizations dedicated to improving the lives of 
disadvantaged youngsters across the nation. He founded the Erikson 
Institute, a child development graduate school, and the Ounce of 
Prevention Fund, a public/private partnership that created and promoted 
community-based initiatives to improve early childhood development. He 
was a leader in development of Zero to Three: The National Center for 
Infants, Toddlers, and Families whose work to support families and 
promote the healthy development of babies and toddlers had a tremendous 
impact in communities across the nation. His work brought him national 
recognition as a leading voice for the betterment of children across 
the country.
  Irving Harris is one of those rare individuals with roots in the 
world of business and finance who has used his hard-won wealth and 
influence to help others less fortunate. And his work and diligence and 
dedication is not only remarkable but unceasing. It is a reflection of 
all that we strive to be. His sincerity is marked by the principles he 
instilled in his own family--in his children and grandchildren, who 
today carry on his work on behalf of the other children of America.
  Through education, public policy development, grant-making and 
advocacy, Irving Harris' vision and leadership has earned him 
recognition and many honors and awards over the years. He has served 
many organizations including the National Commission on Children and 
the Carnegie Corporation's New York Task Force on Meeting the Needs of 
Young Children.
  It has been an enormous privilege for me to work with Irving over the 
years, and I look forward to continuing our collaboration. Irving knows 
that our young people represent the future and we as a community and 
nation must give them the tools to succeed. He recognized this simple 
fact many years ago, and dedicated his life to fulfilling that 
important goal.
  Irving Harris continues his work today, as I hope he will for many 
more years to come. Tbank you, Irving for the difference you have made 
in this country, and the millions of lives you have made better through 
your vision, your passion, and your generous spirit of mind. You are an 
inspiration to all of us.

                          ____________________