[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 127 (Monday, September 8, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1352]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING MS. SUSAN HAMMER

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ZOE LOFGREN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 8, 2014

  Ms. LOFGREN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Ms. Susan Hammer and 
congratulate her on her Cornerstone of the Arts Award, a timely and 
well-deserved honor.
   From the beginning of her career in public service, Ms. Hammer 
worked tirelessly to link San Jose's civic future to the continued 
growth and development of its arts and cultural institutions. Indeed, 
she entered public life in 1969 by founding a community art museum that 
became the San Jose Museum of Art. She was instrumental in saving the 
historic building now home to its administrative offices from 
destruction.
   Ms. Hammer's unwavering support of the arts continued throughout her 
illustrious career. As the 62nd Mayor of San Jose, Ms. Hammer lead the 
creation of San Jose's first cultural plan, which served as the 
blueprint for the evolution of the Office of Cultural Affairs and lead 
to arts education reform. Ms. Hammer created San Jose's first cultural 
tourism program, worked to build The Tech as a museum of national 
stature, and fought to complete the Guadalupe River Park. Ms. Hammer 
made sure that The Rep got a permanent home in San Jose. Together with 
the San Jose State University President, Ms. Hammer developed the idea 
of creating a joint library and was part of a committee that raised 
$16.5 million for the completion of San Jose's stunning Martin Luther 
King Jr. Library.
   Ms. Hammer is a trailblazer when it comes to the development of San 
Jose area's thriving community and dynamic culture. As Mayor, she 
focused on affordable housing, child care, education, the arts, and the 
revitalization of the San Jose Downtown.
   Ms. Hammer is truly the ``cornerstone'' of the San Jose arts 
community and sets the highest standard for public service. 
Unsurprisingly, in her retirement, Ms. Hammer continues to be civically 
involved and active in community and educational organizations.
   I wish to congratulate Ms. Susan Hammer on her Cornerstone of the 
Arts Award and express my gratitude for her exceptional leadership and 
lasting impact on the San Jose art and cultural landscape.

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