[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 67 (Monday, May 4, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1051]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO DR. SIDNEY J. PARNES

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRIAN HIGGINS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 4, 2009

  Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I am honored to pay tribute to Sidney J. 
Parnes, one of the great practitioners and researchers in the field of 
creativity and a co-founder of the Osborn-Parnes Creative Problem 
Solving Process.
  In honoring Dr. Parnes as a pioneer in the worldwide understanding of 
creative thinking, the House of Representatives adds their appreciation 
to those that will be expressed by his family, friends, students and 
colleagues as they gather at Daemen College on May 8-9, 2009 for 
``Unlocking the Magic: A Tribute and Celebration with Sidney J. 
Parnes.''
  Dr. Sidney J. Parnes is co-founder of the International Center for 
Studies in Creativity, housed at my alma mater, Buffalo State College, 
and remains the only place in the world where you can receive a Masters 
of Science degree in Creativity. His contributions have added to the 
city of Buffalo's significant reputation as a dynamic arts community.
  Dr. Parnes' passionate belief that creativity is a result of a 
balance between divergent and convergent thinking and that everyone can 
be taught to apply creative behavior in their personal and professional 
lives has led to his well-earned recognition as the world's leading 
expert in the field for more than a half century.
  A life-long creativity researcher and author, world-class educator 
and Professor Emeritus of Creative Studies at the State University of 
New York College at Buffalo, Dr. Parnes co-founded CPSI (Creative 
Problem Solving Institute) with Dr. Alex Osborn in 1955. The CPSI 
became an international gathering for the more than 50 years it was 
held annually in Buffalo when, at times, 700 people representing 36 
countries were in attendance.
  A life-long researcher and author, this world--renowned educator is 
responsible for assembling the most comprehensive library on creativity 
at the University with over 2,400 volumes and launched the scholarly 
Journal of Creative Behavior in 1967 which includes the latest 
research, tools and techniques on creativity, innovation and creative 
problem solving.
  From 1967 to 1984, Dr. Parnes served as president of the Creative 
Education Foundation, presenting countless workshops on creativity and 
creative problem-solving for leaders in business, education and 
government throughout North and South America, Europe, Asia, Africa and 
Australia.
  He is a recipient of the State University of New York College at 
Buffalo ``President's Award for Excellence'' and is a member of the 
Creative Education Foundation Hall of Fame as well as the American 
Creativity Association's Hall of Fame. He has also been recognized by 
the Innovation Network with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his 
unprecedented accomplishments to further the creative movement 
worldwide.
  Our congratulations extend to his wife, Bea Parnes, whom Dr. Parnes 
called ``my indispensable colleague, my life companion and dearest 
friend.'' Along with their collaborative educational research, they 
have served as board members of People Inc. for many years and provided 
numerous workshops for social agencies.
  Our good wishes extend to his children and grandchildren who 
influenced and participated in Dr. Parnes pursuits as he has noted 
``I'm proud of my family and their achievements, especially their 
receptivity to creative problem solving and willingness to apply it 
from their earliest days to family issues and challenges.''
  I am pleased and honored to send the best wishes of the United States 
House of Representatives to Dr. Sidney J. Parnes and to his family and 
friends as they gather to celebrate his life, leadership and legacy of 
outstanding contributions to the creative life of those whose lives he 
has so greatly influenced and to the City of Buffalo, the ``Cradle of 
Creative Studies.''

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