[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 130 (Monday, October 11, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1902]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING JOSEPH NICOLA DELAURO, FOUNDING DIRECTOR EMERITUS OF THE 
           SCHOOL OF VISUAL ARTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF WINDSOR

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 8, 2004

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today 
to extend my sincere congratulations to my uncle, Joseph Nicola 
DeLauro. He was recently honored by the University of Windsor in 
Ontario, Canada, as they named him Founding Director Emeritus of the 
School of Visual Arts--the first such title the University has 
bestowed.
  Born in New Haven, CT, Joe DeLauro attended Yale University where he 
received his Bachelors Degree and later gained his Masters at the 
University of Iowa. He is a sculptor perhaps best known for his work 
depicting archetypal figures from the far past and the Bible. Much of 
his work, including crucifixions, pietas, virgins, baptismal fonts, 
stone reliefs, and stained glass windows have been commissioned by 
churches, convents, schools, and other largely religious institutions. 
However, you can also find many pieces throughout the public spaces in 
his home of Canton, MI, and in private collections throughout the 
world.
  Internationally recognized for his talent, he has been honored by 
organizations in the United States, England and Italy. Exhibitions of 
his work have been displayed in New York, Italy, and Canada. But 
perhaps his most important contribution has been through his work as a 
teacher. I have often spoke of the need of talented, creative educators 
ready to help young people learn and grow. This is especially true for 
the Fine Arts, where the talent of young artists must be nurtured and 
encouraged for them to realize their dreams.
  A Professor of Art at both Marygrove College and the University of 
Detroit in Detroit, MI, as well, Joe DeLauro spent the majority of his 
career as an educator at the University of Windsor. He came to the 
University in 1960 where he began Windsor's Fine Arts Department. 
Through his efforts as head of the Department, he gained for the 
institution its right to grant a bachelor of fine arts degree--the 
first degree-granting privilege of its kind to be granted to an Ontario 
university. For this accomplishment, he was credited with the founding 
of Windsor's School of Visual Arts. In his 25-year-career with the 
University of Ontario, he helped to shepherd hundreds of students 
through the demanding maze of discipline, taste, and scholarship and on 
to their own careers. Mentor, friend, and educator--there is no better 
example of what a teacher should be.
  To be bestowed with the title Founding Director Emeritus is a 
reflection of the respect, gratitude, and appreciation Joe DeLauro 
earned throughout his career at the University of Windsor. His 
extraordinary artistic and academic career has left an indelible mark 
on the University and his spirit will forever live on through the 
School of Visual Arts--a legacy that will touch and inspire thousands 
for generations to come. I am proud to stand today and join his wife, 
Dorothy; children, Kathleen, Gregory, and Bob; family, friends, and 
colleagues to extend my sincere congratulations to Joseph Nicola 
DeLauro on this very special occasion.

                          ____________________