[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 117 (Monday, September 8, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S8934]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




IN RECOGNITION OF HENRY FORD COMMUNITY COLLEGE FOR 60 YEARS OF SERVICE 
                            TO THE COMMUNITY

 Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, I rise today to call my colleagues' 
attention to the 60th anniversary of an important educational 
institution in Michigan. On October 10, 1997, Henry Ford Community 
College will dedicate a new Learning Resource Center and kick off a 
year of special events to celebrate its six decades of providing 
educational opportunities to the people of Michigan.
  Henry Ford Community College, which is located in Ford Motor Co.'s 
hometown of Dearborn, first opened its doors in 1938 as Fordson Junior 
College with 200 students. Today, approximately 20,000 students attend 
classes at HFCC's 75-acre main campus and its auxiliary learning center 
in Dearborn Heights. Many transfer to 4-year institutions after 
completing 1 or 2 years at HFCC. Others are enrolled in two-year 
associate degree programs in arts, science, or business. Still others 
are enrolled in non-credit or continuing education courses, seeking to 
upgrade their job skills to remain competitive in the marketplace.
  I know that the administrators and instructors at Henry Ford 
Community College are proud of their reputation for turning out 
graduates who are well prepared to enter the work force. In fact, HFCC 
believes that this is so central to its mission that it offers up to 16 
hours of free additional workplace training to any graduate whose 
entry-level technical job skills are deemed to be lacking by an 
employer. HFCC's Office of Corporate Training works with area 
businesses and manufacturers to design training programs for their 
employees, which are held either at HFCC or on the job site. HFCC also 
offers skilled trade and special job training programs designed to help 
laid off workers return to the work force more quickly.
  While preparing students for additional education and the workplace 
are the central goals of Henry Ford Community College, it is also 
deeply involved in the cultural life of the community. HFCC's cultural 
activities program provides lectures, performances, and films for the 
general public. They also sponsor the Enrichment for Young People 
program, which gives young students the opportunity to take classes in 
art, theater, and music. Senior citizens are welcomed at the annual 
Senior Citizens Day on campus, and they may take classes free of charge 
year round. Concerts, plays, art exhibits, and other performances are 
offered throughout the year, and are open to the public.
  For 60 years, Henry Ford Community College has been an integral part 
of the educational and cultural fabric of metropolitan Detroit. This 
vibrant institution has helped tens of thousands of people to realize 
their dreams, whether to upgrade professional skills, attain a degree, 
or simply learn something new about an interesting subject. Mr. 
President, I encourage my Senate colleagues to join me in extending 
congratulations to the men and women of Henry Ford Community College on 
the occasion of its 60th anniversary.

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