[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 142 (Tuesday, October 21, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2036-E2037]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       TRIBUTE TO BRONX COMMUNITY COLLEGE ON ITS 40TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOSE E. SERRANO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 21, 1997

  Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Bronx Community 
College, part of the City University of New York and an invaluable 
Bronx institution, which will celebrate its 40th anniversary on October 
22.
  Back in 1957, thanks to the efforts of some civic-minded groups in 
the Bronx to meet the need for increased higher education facilities in 
the ``Borough of Universities and Progress'', Bronx Community College 
was established. An energetic president, Dr. Morris Meister, launched 
an enterprise that was ultimately to help tens of thousands of 
ambitious people find a place a advance in the business world. Classes 
began in February 1959 at the former site of the Bronx High School of 
Science at Creston Avenue and 184th Street.

[[Page E2037]]

  In the ensuing four decades, under the leadership of Dr. Meister, Dr. 
James A. Colston, Dr. Roscoe C. Brown, Jr., and Dr. Leo A. Corbie, 
Bronx Community College has grown to be a modern community college 
offering 2-year associate degree programs in a variety of disciplines. 
The college's community service programs currently serve more than 
25,000 residents of the city through academic upgrading, job training 
and placement, cultural enrichment, and recreation.
  Throughout its existence, Bronx Community College has adhered to the 
highest standards. In its early days, the reputation it built through 
the success of its graduates helped BCC to achieve steady growth in 
difficult economic times. Most BCC graduates find employment in 
positions related to their fields of study thanks to a partnership with 
local businesses and industries.
  Mr. Speaker, on that same day, BCC will welcome its new leader, Dr. 
Carolyn Grubbs Williams, an outstanding individual who has dedicated 
her life to education and public service. She will be installed as the 
fourth president of the Bronx Community College. The first female to 
lead Bronx Community College, Dr. Williams was named president in June 
of 1996.
  Dr. Williams earned a bachelor's degree in sociology, a master's 
degree in urban planning and a Ph.D. in higher education, all from 
Wayne State University in Detroit. She has shown the importance of 
higher education, with a focus on community college throughout her long 
and distinguished career. She is an expert in designing programs to 
help community college students continue their education beyond the 
traditional 2 years.
  Through her years of service, she has worked for several higher 
education institutions. Before coming to New York, she has served as 
vice provost of Wayne County College and acting vice president for 
Academic Affairs at Highland Park Community College, both in Detroit. 
She also has served as consultant for the Ford Foundation Urban 
Transfer Opportunity Program and the United Negro College Fund's 
Transfer Opportunity Program.
  The business, professional and civic organizations to which she 
belongs, like the honors and awards she has been given demonstrate 
that. Dr. Williams joins BCC with many lessons learned in leadership in 
education, community service, and wisdom. It is our hope that the 
addition of Dr. Williams to the Bronx Community College will bring 
continued success to the institution.
  Mr. Speaker, I have the privilege of representing the 16th district 
of New York where Bronx Community College is located and I am delighted 
by its success. In addition, I participate every year in the 10K race 
organized by BCC.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to Bronx Community 
College, to the administration and faculty, and to the students, whose 
ambition and hard work have made this great institution a tremendous 
source of pride and success for the last 40 years.

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