[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 21]
[House]
[Page 29411]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1930
         RECOGNIZING AND CONGRATULATING ROSS AND MARIANNA BEACH

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from Kansas (Mr. Moran) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the testimony and 
words as spoken by the gentleman from Illinois. I rise tonight to speak 
to congratulate Ross and Marianna Beach and the Marianna Kistler Beach 
Museum of Art on the occasion of the museum's grand reopening. Located 
in Manhattan, on the campus of Kansas State University, the Beach 
Museum of Art has become a cherished cultural center in the Flint Hills 
of my home State. Over the years, the museum has nearly tripled the 
number of their works of art and has enhanced the lives of thousands of 
patrons.
  Originally opening on October 16, 1996, the museum offers a wide 
array of services to the area. While continually adding to the 
collection of regionally inspired art, the museum contributors have 
also made educational programs, lectures, tours, and workshops 
available. The new 15,000 square-foot addition of the Mary and Morgan 
Jarvis Wing is evidence of the museum's continuing success and benefit.
  Believing in art appreciation and education, the Beach Museum is 
poised to contribute to the culture in Kansas for generations to come. 
The impact the museum has on Kansas is immeasurable. Located on the 
campus of a nationally ranked university and in close proximity to Fort 
Riley, the Beach Museum serves a highly diverse population. Students, 
along with military personnel and their families, come from all over 
the globe to live, work, and learn. This oftentimes short-term 
community is always pleased to discover an art museum of such fine 
quality.
  Through the efforts of Kansas State University president Dr. Jon 
Wefald and his wife, Ruth Ann, the museum has gained national 
notoriety. Mrs. Wefald's leadership on the museum advisory board has 
proven to be a major factor in the museum's rapid growth and expansion.
  The university, the City of Manhattan and the State of Kansas have 
benefited tremendously from the Wefalds' dedication. Gratitude is owed 
for their committed devotion to the museum. Museum director Lorne 
Render should be commended for guiding the museum into the 21st 
century. Through Lorne's service to the arts, the Beach Museum 
continues to offer exhibits and programs that enhance the quality of 
life of all Kansans and, in fact, many Americans. As the museum 
continues to contribute to the appreciation of the arts, appreciation 
should be extended to Lorne for the museum and the museum's 
knowledgeable staff.
  The museum would not have been possible but for the generous 
philanthropic ideals exhibited by the lead donors, Ross and Marianna 
Beach. The Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art was named by Mr. Beach 
for his wife in commemoration of their 50th wedding anniversary. Mr. 
And Mrs. Beach are longtime donors of talent and treasure to the State 
of Kansas. Their commitments to the arts extend beyond the Beach Museum 
in Manhattan. They were instrumental in establishing the Beach/Schmidt 
Performing Arts Center on the campus of Fort Hays State University in 
Hays, Kansas. This center has been providing a venue for plays, 
speeches, debates, and concerts for more than 20 years. The Beachs' 
commitment to the arts extends across the State and is appreciated by 
Kansans from all walks of life.
  My wife and I are proud to serve on the museum's board of visitors. 
We have witnessed, firsthand, the results Ross and Marianna Beach have 
attained. It is certain that the Beach legacy will be experienced by 
thousands of people for generations to come.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask the House to join me in acknowledging the Marianna 
Kistler Beach Museum of Art along with Ross and Marianna Kistler Beach 
for their contributions to our society. Kansas is proud to have the 
museum for our enlightenment and enjoyment. And I am also proud to call 
Ross and Marianna Beach my friends and fellow Kansans.

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