[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 16]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 22957-22958]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       RECOGNIZING MR. DANA GIOIA

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. PATRICK J. TIBERI

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Saturday, September 27, 2008

  Mr. TIBERI. Madam Speaker, it is my pleasure to recognize Mr. Dana 
Gioia for his service and tenure at the National Endowment for the 
Arts.
  Mr. Dana Gioia has been a tireless advocate for bringing the arts to 
communities across the country. Through his NEA National Initiatives, 
such as The Big Read, Poetry Out Loud, and American Masterpieces, Mr. 
Gioia has given all Americans the opportunity to enjoy the finest 
artistic and cultural programs. During his two terms as chairman of the 
National Endowment for the Arts he has successfully worked across party 
lines to bring broad support and enthusiasm to the arts and art 
education.

[[Page 22958]]

  As a lifelong trumpet player and a member of the National Council on 
the Arts, I have seen first hand the positive impact art education can 
have on a person's life. It has been a pleasure working with Mr. Gioia 
during his two terms as chairman, granting more opportunities for more 
Americans to experience the arts. Mr. Gioia has traveled to my district 
and many others, educating members of the community and promoting the 
grant process at a grassroots level. Through the Challenge America: 
Reaching Every Community initiatives, he has guaranteed that direct 
grants will reach art organizations in every congressional district in 
every State. Many of these organizations are first time recipients of 
Endowment support. Mr. Gioia is continuously ensuring all communities 
have the ability to bring the arts home.
  For his life of service to the arts and consistent hard work toward 
the betterment of our country, I commend Dana Gioia upon his retirement 
from the National Endowment for the Arts.

                          ____________________