[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 95 (Thursday, July 16, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S8380]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  30TH ANNIVERSARY OF UMAS OF COLORADO

  Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr President, today I take this opportunity to 
recognize the 30th anniversary and reunion of the United Mexican-
American Students of Colorado.
  In July 1968, Mexican-American students at the University of Colorado 
at Boulder came together to discuss the formation of an organization 
committed to initiating change within the educational system to serve 
the needs of the Mexican-American community and to recruit minority 
students to the institution. The outcome of that meeting was the 
formation of the United Mexican-American Students (UMAS).
  Later that same summer, fifty minority students were admitted into a 
tutorial program initiated by university professors and students to 
make higher education accessible to African American and Chicano 
students. UMAS students worked for the program. The Migrant Action 
Program also brought migrant workers into the university and they also 
became UMAS members.
  A student referendum initiated and supported by UMAS was passed in 
March 1969 which dedicated five dollars from registration fees each 
semester to create scholarships for minority students. These funds and 
federal matching funds allowed UMAS to implement tutorial counseling, 
recruitment and financial aid programs. On-campus accredited summer 
remedial programs followed. Students who successfully completed those 
classes gained admission and earned financial aid.
  UMAS has thrived on the Boulder Campus of the University of Colorado 
for three decades. This summer marks the thirtieth anniversary of the 
organization. To mark this important anniversary, UMAS alumni and 
supporters will come together to renew their commitment and unity.
  Mr. President, I commend the work of UMAS students and alumni 
associations for their commitment and continuing efforts to serve 
deserving students on the Boulder campus of the University of Colorado. 
As someone who has experienced hardship, I sincerely appreciate the 
empowerment UMAS has offered to thousands of deserving students.

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