[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 144 (Thursday, October 21, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2157-E2158]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




TRIBUTE TO THE BLACK CANYON OF THE GUNNISON NATIONAL PARK AND THOSE WHO 
                            MADE IT POSSIBLE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 21, 1999

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with an overwhelming sense of pride 
that I now rise to pay tribute to a truly historic event in the proud 
and distinguished history of the great State of Colorado: the 
establishment of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.
  As the House sponsor of legislation that redesignated the Black 
Canyon as a national park, it gives me great joy to describe for this 
esteemed body's record the beauty of this truly majestic place. In 
addition, I would like to offer my gratitude to a community of 
individuals instrumental in the long process that ultimately yielded 
the establishment of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.
  Mr. Speaker, anyone who has visited the Black Canyon can attest to 
its awe-inspiring natural beauty. Named for the dark rock that makes up 
its sheer walls, the Black Canyon is largely composed of what 
geologists call basement rocks, the oldest rocks on the earth estimated 
at 1.7 billion years old. With its narrow openings, sheer walls, and 
scenic gorges that plunge 2000 feet into the clear blue majesty of the 
Gunnison River, the Black Canyon is a natural crown jewel second to 
none in its magnificent splendor. Though other canyons may have greater 
depth or descend on a steeper course, few combine these attributes as 
breathtakingly as does the Black Canyon.
  If ever there was a place worthy of the prestigious status that only 
national park status can afford, Mr. Speaker, it is the Black Canyon. 
But as you know, national parks don't just happen. In this case, it 
took nearly 15 years, several Congressional Representatives and 
Senators, innumerable locally elected officials, and a virtual sea of 
committed citizens in western Colorado.
  Included in this group are the good people of Olathe, Colorado. 
During this long and at times difficult process, Olathe's civic leaders 
have given tirelessly and beyond measure in the hopes of making the 
Black Canyon a national park. Again and again these great Americans 
rose to the challenge, doing everything in their power to fulfill this 
dream. Without Olathe's leadership and perseverance, none of what we 
have accomplished would have ever been possible.
  It is with this, Mr. Speaker, that I give my thanks to the people of 
Olathe who played a leading role in making the Black Canyon of the 
Gunnison National Park a wonderful reality for Colorado, America, and 
the world to enjoy.

   ON THE OCCASION OF NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY'S 35TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. PETER DEUTSCH

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 21, 1999

  Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a very important 
date in the Florida educational community. Nova Southeastern 
University, Florida's largest independent university, will celebrate 
its 35th anniversary on December 2nd, 1999. This event, entitled 
``Celebration of Excellence,'' promises to showcase the outstanding 
achievements of NSU students and alumni alike, and I am honored to be a 
part of this joyous occasion.
  Through Nova Southeastern University's quality educational programs, 
the university has made an immense contribution to the personal and 
professional advancement of thousands of Florida residents. In 
addition, NSU provides a wide range of community services and programs 
for the benefit of South Florida residents. Working to bring new skills 
and knowledge to the community around it, the work of Nova Southeastern 
University ultimately benefits Florida residents of all ages.
  ``Celebration of Excellence'' is also notable because it features the 
fifth anniversary of the merger of Nova University and Southeastern 
University of the Health Sciences to form NSU in its current state. 
This synergistic merger of the two schools has resulted in the 
development of some of Florida's most impressive medical and health 
care education programs. Indeed, these programs benefit the entire 
community's health and well-being.
  Nova Southeastern University has set itself apart in its ability to 
form partnerships with other educational institutions, state and local 
agencies, and community organizations. These successful cooperative 
efforts enhance local access to advocacy, counseling, health care, 
rehabilitative and other human services, raise community awareness on 
existing services and resources, and provide a valuable form to 
identify and address unmet local needs. It is without hesitation that I 
say that Nova Southeastern University has had a tremendous impact on 
the life of all South Floridians.
  Mr. Speaker, Nova Southeastern University has spent the last 35 years 
demonstrating its strong commitment to the well-being and education of 
the Florida community. I am extremely proud to celebrate this 
anniversary with administration, students, and alumni of NSU. 
Reflecting on their success of the past, I wish everyone at NSU the 
best as the university turns its eyes to the immediate future.

  RECOGNIZING THE 1999 RECIPIENTS OF THE MICHIGAN WOMEN'S HALL OF FAME

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DEBBIE STABENOW

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 21, 1999

  Ms. STABENOW. Mr. Speaker, this year the Michigan Women's Historical 
Center will induct ten members into the Michigan Women's Hall of Fame. 
These remarkable individuals from

[[Page E2158]]

the past and the present have made noteworthy inroads in expanding 
opportunities and creating greater equality for Michigan women. Tonight 
at the Sixteenth Annual Michigan Women's Hall of Fame Awards Dinner, 
each of these individuals will be recognized for their significant 
contributions. I would like to congratulate the 10 new Hall of Fame 
members and thank them for blazing a trail for women to follow in 
future.
  Contemporary Honorees include writer and humanist Doris DeDeckere; 
nature columnist Margaret Drake Elliot; Elizabeth Homer, who has fought 
for educational and professional equality for women; and Sister Ardeth 
Platte, who has committed her life to social justice and eliminating 
violence
  Historical Honorees include Patricia Beeman, a member of the Southern 
African Liberation Committee, who fought to educate Michiganites on 
apartheid in South Africa; the first woman minister in the United 
States, Olympia Brown, the first woman to head the Detroit Police 
Department's Women's Division, Eleonore Hutzel; dietitian, writer and 
child advocate Ella Eaton Kellogg; and Emily Burton Ketcham, a Grand 
Rapids woman who fought for women's right to vote.
  Dr. Peter T. Mitchell, President of Albion College, was recognized 
with the Phillip A. Hart Award for his contributions nationally to 
improving educational opportunities for women.

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