[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 56 (Thursday, May 7, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4549-S4550]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           RECOGNIZING PRINCE WILLIAM SOUND COMMUNITY COLLEGE

 Mr. MURKOWSKI. Mr. President, I rise today in support of S. 
Res. 223, which I introduced yesterday on behalf of myself and Senator 
Stevens. Our resolution recognizes the Prince William Sound Community 
College and its celebration of its twentieth anniversary this Sunday, 
May 10, 1988.
  This is a notable milestone for the College and for the people of the 
Copper Basin Area. Prince William Sound Community College was 
established in 1976 as a Learning Center set up by the University of 
Alaska. It earned community college status just two years later. In 
1987, the University of Alaska merged all community colleges in the 
state into the university system; however, due to overwhelming support 
from the local community of Valdez, Prince William Sound Community 
College remained the only individually accredited community college in 
the University of Alaska system.
  Today, after 20 years, the student body of the college has grown to 
nearly 2,000 students, and the college is a recognized leader in the 
University of Alaska system.
  Mr. President, I commend the Prince William Sound Community College 
for its 20 years of exceptional service to the people of Alaska and 
look forward to many more years of growth and contributions to the 
culture and economy of Alaska.
 Mr. STEVENS. Mr. President, I join Senator Murkowski as a co-
sponsor of this Senate resolution commending the Prince William Sound 
Community College, which is located in Valdez, Alaska, as it celebrates 
its twentieth anniversary.
  In 1971, concerned citizens of Valdez and in the neighboring town of 
Cordova petitioned the University of Alaska to establish extension 
offices in each of these communities. In 1976, a Learning Center was 
established in this area.

[[Page S4550]]

Community college status was granted in 1978 and the centers officially 
became known as Prince William Sound Community College.
  In 1989, the College received accreditation from the Commission on 
Colleges of the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges and has 
maintained that status. Since that date, the College has established 
several new programs, such as the Prince William Sound Community 
College Theater Conference, which attracts nationally-known dramatists; 
the Industrial Safety/Marine Response Training Department; a wellness 
center; and a television station.
  The University of Alaska merged all community colleges into the 
university system in 1987. Prince William Sound Community College has 
remained the only individually-accredited community college in the 
system because of the continuing strong support from the City of 
Valdez. The University of Alaska's Board of Regents has recognized the 
growth and accomplishment of the College by approving several new 
degree and certificate programs.
  In twenty years of existence, Prince William Sound Community College 
has developed into a recognized leader in the University of Alaska 
system and continues to serve Prince William Sound and the Cooper Basin 
area as a comprehensive community college intent on life-long learning.
  I urge other Senators to help us pass this resolution to commend the 
Prince William Sound Community College for these accomplishments in 
conjunction for these accomplishments in conjunction with its 20th 
anniversity on May 10, 1998.

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