[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 29 (Wednesday, February 12, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E118]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 REMEMBERING JEROME H. KERN: A CHAMPION OF THE ARTS, PHILANTHROPY, AND 
                             PUBLIC SERVICE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DIANA DeGETTE

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 12, 2025

  Ms. DeGETTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy 
of Jerome H. Kern, a remarkable leader whose passion for the arts, 
philanthropy, and public service law made a significant impact on 
Denver and beyond.
  Jerry was a man of immense intellect, unwavering commitment, and 
profound generosity. He was a force of nature, a sharp legal mind, a 
tenacious leader, and an advocate for the arts, business, and public 
service.
  Born in Brooklyn in 1937, Jerry graduated cum laude from the New York 
University School of Law, where he was a Root Tilden Scholar and 
managing editor of the New York University Law Review.
  After law school, Jerry had a distinguished legal and business 
career. He initially worked as a senior partner at Baker & Botts, LLP, 
where he was the senior corporate lawyer in the New York office. For 
over 20 years, he served as the principal outside legal counsel to 
Tele-Communications, Inc. (TCI) and Liberty Media. He later became vice 
chairman and a board member at TCI and played a key role in major media 
mergers, including the AT&T/TCI merger and the Time Warner/Turner 
Broadcasting merger.
  Jerry used his success in life to fulfill his true calling--
relentless advocacy for the public good. As a trustee of NYU School of 
Law, he learned that the Root-Tilden Scholarship that had helped him 
get a start in life was being limited by severe budget deficiencies. He 
not only donated $5 million to the program but also led a $30 million 
endowment effort that resulted in the program's renaming as the Root-
Tilden-Kern Scholarship. His dedication to public interest law has 
paved the way for countless students to pursue careers in service of 
the greater good. Since his efforts, more than 450 public interest 
lawyers have gone out to serve their own communities.
  After Jerry and his wife, Dr. Mary Rossick Kern, moved to Denver, he 
learned that the Colorado Symphony was facing financial ruin. Not only 
did he save the symphony, but agreed to give a sustainable future by 
becoming CEO and President of the Board and leaving behind an $88 
million endowment that secures its place as a cultural cornerstone for 
generations to come. His advocacy for a world-class concert venue 
continues to shape the future of Denver's performing arts scene.
  Beyond the arts, Kern's philanthropic contributions extended to 
public service and health care. He founded and chaired the Institute 
for Children's Mental Health, endowed a research chair at the 
University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, and worked tirelessly 
with Volunteers of America Colorado, sponsoring the construction of the 
Michael Kern Kitchen, which provides Meals on Wheels to those in need. 
In 2002, Jerry and Mary were honored with the Volunteers of America 
Humanitarian of the Year Award.
  As a Root-Tilden scholar myself, I dedicated my career to public 
service--and Jerry was a strong model of how to make this happen.
  His life was one of service, vision, and relentless advocacy for the 
arts and public good. His legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire 
those who believe in the transformative power of culture, philanthropy, 
and law. I extend my deepest condolences to his family, friends, and 
all who were fortunate enough to know him. His memory will remain a 
guiding light for those who seek to make a meaningful impact in their 
communities.

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