[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 1 (Wednesday, January 3, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E4]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    RECOGNIZING PHYLLIS L. PETERSON

                                 ______


                            HON. BILL BAKER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, January 3, 1996

  Mr. BAKER of California. Mr. Speaker, education is a crucial building 
block of our society. An informed electorate is critical to effective 
self-government. An educated work force is vital to a successful 
economy. And the capacity for knowledgeable decisionmaking enriches our 
individual lives.
  Dr. Phyllis L. Peterson has played an important role in turning these 
principles into realities for thousands of men and women in the East 
Bay of San Francisco. For 12 years she has served ably as president of 
Diablo Valley College in Pleasant Hill, CA, located in the heart of the 
Golden State's 10th Congressional District, which I represent here in 
Washington. Overseeing Diablo's growth as a premier community college, 
she has been nationally recognized for her leadership in preparing 
young adults both for careers in the job market and for further 
academic pursuits.
  When Dr. Peterson retires later this year, she will leave a legacy of 
hope and opportunity for the many lives she has touched in her 37 years 
as an educator. Her development of the Center for Higher Education in 
San Ramon made education available in an area previously without a 
higher educational presence. Her leadership enabled Diablo Valley 
College to grow to its present enrollment of 23,000 students, providing 
them with a quality, affordable, and accessible education.
  In 1993, her peers called on her to serve as head of the Chief 
Executive Officers of the California Community Colleges. The University 
of Texas Community College leadership program recognized her as an 
outstanding community college president and the Association of 
California Community College Administrators honored her with the Harry 
Buttimer Distinguished Administrator Award.
  These signal honors were bestowed in recognition of Dr. Peterson's 
commitment to higher education, her capability as an administrator, and 
her love for students. Dr. Phyllis L. Peterson is an exemplary educator 
and community leader, and richly deserves our thanks for all she has 
done to prepare new leaders for our country and our world. I am pleased 
to call on my colleagues to join me in honoring her today.

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