Honoring Joseph Nicola DeLauro, Founding Director Emeritus of the School of Visual Arts of the University of Windsor

HONORING JOSEPH NICOLA DELAURO, FOUNDING DIRECTOR EMERITUS OF THE SCHOOL OF VISUAL ARTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF WINDSOR -- (Extensions of Remarks - October 11, 2004)

Ms. DELAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to extend my sincere congratulations to my uncle, Joseph Nicola DeLauro. He was recently honored by the University of Windsor in Ontario, Canada, as they named him Founding Director Emeritus of the School of Visual Arts-the first such title the University has bestowed.

Born in New Haven, CT, Joe DeLauro attended Yale University where he received his Bachelors Degree and later gained his Masters at the University of Iowa. He is a sculptor perhaps best known for his work depicting archetypal figures from the far past and the Bible. Much of his work, including crucifixions, pietas, virgins, baptismal fonts, stone reliefs, and stained glass windows have been commissioned by churches, convents, schools, and other largely religious institutions. However, you can also find many pieces throughout the public spaces in his home of Canton, MI, and in private collections throughout the world.

Internationally recognized for his talent, he has been honored by organizations in the United States, England and Italy. Exhibitions of his work have been displayed in New York, Italy, and Canada. But perhaps his most important contribution has been through his work as a teacher. I have often spoke of the need of talented, creative educators ready to help young people learn and grow. This is especially true for the Fine Arts, where the talent of young artists must be nurtured and encouraged for them to realize their dreams.

A Professor of Art at both Marygrove College and the University of Detroit in Detroit, MI, as well, Joe DeLauro spent the majority of his career as an educator at the University of Windsor. He came to the University in 1960 where he began Windsor's Fine Arts Department. Through his efforts as head of the Department, he gained for the institution its right to grant a bachelor of fine arts degree-the first degree-granting privilege of its kind to be granted to an Ontario university. For this accomplishment, he was credited with the founding of Windsor's School of Visual Arts. In his 25-year-career with the University of Ontario, he helped to shepherd hundreds of students through the demanding maze of discipline, taste, and scholarship and on to their own careers. Mentor, friend, and educator-there is no better example of what a teacher should be.

To be bestowed with the title Founding Director Emeritus is a reflection of the respect, gratitude, and appreciation Joe DeLauro earned throughout his career at the University of Windsor. His extraordinary artistic and academic career has left an indelible mark on the University and his spirit will forever live on through the School of Visual Arts-a legacy that will touch and inspire thousands for generations to come. I am proud to stand today and join his wife, Dorothy; children, Kathleen, Gregory, and Bob; family, friends, and colleagues to extend my sincere congratulations to Joseph Nicola DeLauro on this very special occasion.