III 111th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 626 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES September 16, 2010 Mr. Nelson of Florida (for himself and Mr. LeMieux) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary RESOLUTION Acknowledging and congratulating Miami Dade College on the occasion of its 50th anniversary of service to the students and residents of the State of Florida.

Whereas Miami Dade College opened its doors in 1960 as an institution of higher education for the residents of Miami-Dade County, Florida; Whereas Miami Dade College became the first integrated junior college in the State of Florida, leading the way for other institutions to adopt policies of offering a higher education to persons of all races and ethnicities; Whereas Miami Dade College has 1 of the most diverse student populations in the United States, with students from 178 countries, speaking 86 languages; Whereas Miami Dade College has the largest enrollment of any institution of higher education in the United States, welcoming nearly 170,000 students annually; Whereas Miami Dade College offers more than 300 major areas of study, providing educational and workforce opportunities for students seeking associate and bachelor degrees, as well as short-term certifications in critical areas of study; Whereas Miami Dade College provides an affordable, comprehensive higher education to individuals of all incomes and backgrounds; Whereas 52 percent of the students attending Miami Dade College are the first in their families to attend college; Whereas 55 percent of the students attending Miami Dade College receive Pell Grants; Whereas Miami Dade College ranks first in the United States in the amount of Pell Grant funds awarded to public institutions of higher education; Whereas Miami Dade College is 1 of only 40 community colleges nationwide to be named to the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll; Whereas Miami Dade College is a leader in cultural programming; Whereas the Miami International Book Fair, which is sponsored by Miami Dade College, is the largest literary event in the United States; Whereas the Miami International Film Festival, which is sponsored by Miami Dade College, is world-renowned; Whereas Miami Dade College is the home of the Freedom Tower, a National Historic Landmark; Whereas Miami Dade College adheres to the guiding principle of the College to change lives through the opportunity of education; and Whereas 2010 marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Miami Dade College: Now, therefore, be it

That the Senate acknowledges and congratulates Miami Dade College on the occasion of its 50th anniversary of academic excellence and service to the residents of the State of Florida.