[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 104 (Wednesday, June 14, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E566]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING EUGENE GARGARO, JR. FOR 20 YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE DETROIT 
                           INSTITUTE OF ARTS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JACK BERGMAN

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 14, 2023

  Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Eugene Gargaro, 
Jr., for 20 years of service as Board Chair of the Detroit Institute of 
Arts (DIA). Retiring after the selection of his successor, Gene has led 
the Institute to greater notoriety and accessibility for all. His 
tenure has been benchmarked by numerous accomplishments on behalf of 
the Institute, which houses over 65,000 unique pieces across a 
multitude of genres.
  Eugene's impact on the DIA goes beyond the preservation of priceless 
art within their facilities. Since being elected in 2003, he has 
spearheaded a renovation in excess of $160 million to give the public 
and the institute's staff the best possible complex to enjoy the 
expanding collection, as well as helped to raise tens of millions of 
dollars in the form of public donations and millage initiatives across 
local counties.
  His leadership was tested during the global financial crisis of 2008 
and again in 2013 when Detroit filed for Chapter 9 bankruptcy. Gene's 
commitment to the museum and the institution never faltered. His 
actions throughout his time as Chairman displayed his unwavering desire 
to help both the art community and his local community, for which he 
was formally recognized in 2015 when he was awarded the DIA's Lifetime 
Service Award for outstanding volunteer service. He deserves our 
gratitude and appreciation for his efforts to expand access, cultivate 
art, and preserve history for posterity throughout his time at the DIA.
  Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Eugene Gargaro, Jr., for two 
decades of esteemed service to the Detroit Institute of Arts as Board 
Chair. Gene has become an irreplaceable part of the community, and his 
absence will sadden many across the institution. On behalf of 
Michigan's First District, I extend my gratitude to Gene and his family 
and wish them the best in their future endeavors.

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