[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 14 (Thursday, February 1, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E125]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       ODELL JOHNSON, JR., AND HIS COMMITMENT TO HIGHER EDUCATION

                                 ______


                         HON. RONALD V. DELLUMS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 31, 1996

  Mr. DELLUMS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to share with my colleagues 
the fact that Mr. Odell Johnson, Jr., has dedicated over 25 years of 
committed service to the education of Oakland and the bay area.
  Odell served as Laney College president for 15 years, longer than any 
other president in the history of the Peralta Community College 
District. He received his education from Fresno City College, St. 
Mary's College, and the California State University at Hayward. He then 
became the dean of students of St. Mary's College and dean of 
instruction at the College of Alameda.
  He continued to make important contributions to increase standards 
for higher education as president of Laney College, where he oversaw 
the educational opportunities afforded to the most ethnically diverse 
of the California community colleges.
  Odell's many contributions as a respected leader extend beyond the 
boundaries of the bay area. They include State and national recognition 
for his outstanding service to higher education. In addition to his 
services as an educator, he has been active on boards in community-
based organizations such as the West Oakland Health Center, the Black 
Adoption Placement and Research Center, the Oakland Ensemble Theater, 
and the Bay Area Dance Series.
  Odell also maintains a strong commitment to assisting young people in 
identifying and achieving their personal, educational, and career 
goals. Through his leadership, he has assisted many students in 
developing and understanding a respect and an appreciation for people 
from diverse backgrounds and cultures.

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