[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 133 (Wednesday, September 21, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: September 21, 1994]



                   SALUTE TO WESTFIELD STATE COLLEGE

                                 ______


                           HON. JOHN W. OLVER

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 21, 1994

  Mr. OLVER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Westfield State 
College, the most residential campus of all Massachusetts State 
colleges, located in the beautiful suburban environs of Westfield, MA. 
On September 4, 1994, the college marked the 150th anniversary of its 
charter by the Great and General Court of the Commonwealth. In 
celebrating 150 years in the city of Westfield, the college will 
recognize 150 individuals ``Who Have Made A Difference'' in the history 
of the city and the college on Saturday, October 8, 1994.
  The college began in 1839 as the oldest public, teachers' college in 
the United States. The school catered to all citizens of the 
Commonwealth, but took the lead in creating opportunities for African-
Americans and women. In 1960, Westfield joined other Massachusetts 
teachers colleges in becoming State colleges. Today, Westfield State 
College offers 24 undergraduate majors and numerous masters programs in 
liberal arts and professional education.
  From a teachers' college to a State college offering a full range of 
professional and liberal arts studies, Westfield State College has been 
faithful to the words of its first principal who declared that the 
college provides: ``the opportunity to contribute to the welfare and 
improvement of many people rather than to confer high privilege on a 
few.''
  Westfield State College's 18,000 graduates, 80 percent of whom live 
and work in Massachusetts, can all attest to the college's special role 
in fulfilling their academic curiosity and career goals. I ask my 
colleagues to join me in congratulating Westfield State College on its 
150th anniversary and in extending best wishes to all the faculty, 
staff, students, and alumni.

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