[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 10 (Tuesday, January 26, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E86]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING MAURICE GROSSMAN

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. RAUL M. GRIJALVA

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 26, 2010

  Mr. GRIJALVA. Madam Speaker, it is my pleasure to rise today to honor 
Maurice Grossman, one of Tucson's true treasures, who passed away 
January 21st at the age of 82.
  Maurice was beloved by many who knew him, not just for his art but 
for his dedication to human rights and the Democratic Party.
  A retired art professor from the University of Arizona, Maurice 
Grossman spent his life as a ceramic artist, activist and a leader in 
the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community.
  Maurice served in the Navy during World War II, before attending 
Wayne State University in Detroit. After attending and teaching at 
other universities, he traveled to Japan as a Fulbright scholar, then 
finally to Tucson to teach.
  The founder of the University of Arizona's ceramics program in 1955, 
Maurice received several prestigious awards during his career, 
including a National Endowment for the Arts grant in 1986 and the UA's 
Creative Teaching Award. Maurice's commitment to supporting other 
artists was unflagging and genuine. He would invariably turn up at 
openings and contribute his works to galleries, both big and small.
  Always the activist, Maurice single-handedly took it upon himself to 
register people to vote. He felt that it was his duty to make sure that 
everyone, regardless of background, had a voice. When he retired in 
1989, he became more involved in the effort to help fight 
discrimination against the LGBT community.
  Maurice was quoted in a 2004 article as saying, ``It's not just about 
equal rights for us. It's about equal rights for everyone. Do we want 
to take a step forward or a step back?''
  Maurice never stepped back. He was an extraordinary man and a true 
individual. His role as an activist for equality and human rights will 
not soon be forgotten.
  I was privileged to know Maurice personally. Always enthusiastic, I 
could count on not only his support but his passion. His dedication to 
the community was never-ending.
  Madam Speaker, I rise to honor Maurice Grossman and thank him for 
being a role model for so many of us.

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