Felix Grossman, Class of 1956

“I had a high degree of motivation,” you said. Now that is an understatement. A passionate backpacker, skier, windsurfer, and, most notably, diver, you faced in your fifties the replacement of both arthritic hips. Most patients use a cane long afterward but, through a combination of exercise, training, and good, old- fashioned stubbornness, you managed only six months later to compete at the U.S. Masters Diving Championship. You went on to win more than a dozen national diving titles until needing to have both knees replaced. But the so-called “miracle of Felix Grossman” just kept on going, when at this year’s World Masters Aquatic Championship in Italy you came from behind to win a gold medal. You are an inspiration to the college divers you train with and to the countless inner-city Los Angeles teenagers you have encouraged to set high standards for themselves, one of whom shares the stage with you today. Your non-profit organization, Felix Ventures, now works with students at L.A.’s Workman High School to stretch them physically and academically and to challenge them to develop work habits that will help them reach their full potential. It has developed into the school’s largest co-curricular activity, involving each year more than 150 students, almost all of whom will go on to college. Their role model is clearly the program’s founder and funder. As one student said, “I admire him a lot because he’s been through a lot and he’s still an overachiever.” In recognition of your distinguished achievement in athletics and in civic life, Williams College is proud to honor you with its Bicentennial Medal.