[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 58 (Thursday, March 30, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E283]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING IRVIN LEWIS COIN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. GREG STANTON

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 30, 2023

  Mr. STANTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life and legacy of 
Irvin Lewis Coin--an educator, philanthropist, and community leader in 
my home state of Arizona. Irvin was a member of the Hopi Tribe and 
devoted his life to ensuring that young people, regardless of their 
background or social status, had the opportunity to pursue higher 
education. Throughout his 40- year career, he helped change the lives 
of many-and my state, and our nation, is a better place because of him.
  Irvin grew up in a one-bedroom house just steps away from the 
railroad tracks along the historic Route 66 in Winslow. Early in life, 
he learned to play the trumpet--and he was good at it too. His musical 
talent helped him earn a scholarship to Arizona State University in 
Tempe, and he graduated in 1958 with a bachelor's degree in education. 
Irvin began teaching in public high schools in the Phoenix area, and 
after earning his master's degree, he became the first director of ASU 
TRIO, where he laid the groundwork for ASU's TRIO Programs at the 
university. Because of his work, thousands of low-income, first-
generation college students and students with disabilities have been 
empowered with the tools to achieve their highest aspirations.
  Irvin also served as the president of the Western Association of 
Educational Opportunity Personnel Board of Directors, where he worked 
to ensure educational opportunities through the members that 
represented the TRIO program personnel. He strived to create what he 
called ``an army of leaders whose purpose is to change the world.'' 
Today, students and teachers across the nation benefit from Irvin's 
philanthropy--and his visionary leadership has created 
intergenerational prosperity and opportunity for families in Arizona.
  Arizona owes a debt of gratitude to Irvin, who we lost at the age of 
82 on February 24. His commitment to making a difference in the lives 
of others will be felt for generations to come. In this spirit of 
gratitude and remembrance, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of 
Irvin Lewis Coin.

                          ____________________