[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 129 (Wednesday, September 24, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1843]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                CONGRATULATIONS TO LA SIERRA UNIVERSITY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEN CALVERT

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 24, 1997

  Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I take the floor of the House today to 
honor and pay tribute to one of the finest institutions of higher 
learning in my district, La Sierra University. La Sierra, located in 
Riverside, CA, has been chosen by the John Templeton Foundation for its 
1997-98 honor roll of character-building colleges.
  La Sierra is one of only eight colleges and universities in 
California to earn this distinction, which is given to academic 
institutions that emphasize character building as an integral part of 
undergraduate education. Selection was based on meeting five criteria 
established by the John Templeton Foundation: First, inspires students 
to develop and strengthen their moral reasoning skills; second, 
encourages spiritual growth and moral values; third, provides community 
building experiences; fourth, advocates a drug-free lifestyle; and 
fifth, conducts a critical assessment of character-building projects 
and activities.
  In a society that no longer looks to religion and a sense of 
community as the foundation for a quality education. La Sierra 
University is proof that it can be done. Students are expected to 
strive to their full potential, seek the truth in themselves and 
everything around them, and to give back to their world. General 
education courses in religion and ethics lay a basis for understanding 
the importance of morality. And through the community service 
requirement, students learn firsthand the need for volunteerism and how 
important it is to give assistance to those less fortunate.
  On behalf of the citizens of California's 43d Congressional District, 
I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the students, faculty, 
and administration of La Sierra University for being recognized as a 
character-building college.

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