[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 164 (Thursday, November 18, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2451]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  THE BOOKER T. WASHINGTON LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE AT HAMPTON UNIVERSITY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROBERT C. SCOTT

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 17, 1999

  Mr. SCOTT. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased today to introduce ``The Booker 
T. Washington Leadership Act of 1999''. This legislation will establish 
the Booker T. Washington Leadership Institute at Hampton University in 
Hampton, Virginia.
  Booker T. Washington is perhaps the most renowned alumnus of Hampton 
University. His vision championed the idea that black colleges and 
universities should embrace the responsibility not only to train men 
and women in their disciplines and trades, but to create and sustain 
new institutions and communities driven by the principle of service--
service to God, country, and humankind.
  The mission of this Institute reflects this vision. It is based on 
Hampton University's fundamental premise that leadership development is 
best understood and achieved in the moral context of social 
responsibility and service to society. The Institute will be committed 
to the development of ethical values, interpersonal skills and the 
competencies that are required for effective leadership in a broad 
range of business, civic and political environments.
  Hampton University is uniquely prepared to launch this Institute. For 
the past 130 years, Hampton University has promoted higher education 
and positive character development as the cornerstones of effective 
leadership and responsible citizenship. Initially founded in 1868 to 
train promising young men and women to teach and lead their recently 
emancipated people, it has grown into a comprehensive university, 
offering a broad range of technical, liberal arts, pre-professional, 
professional and graduate degree programs. Over the past twenty years, 
Hampton University has doubled the student population from 2,700 to 
7,000, and the average student SAT score has increased by 300 points. 
Forty-five academic programs have been added, including graduate degree 
programs in Business Administration, Museum Studies, Applied 
Mathematics and Chemistry, with PhD programs in Physics, Pharmacy, 
Physical Therapy and Nursing. Over 40% of Hampton University graduates 
enter graduate school within 5 years.
  The Booker T. Washington Leadership Institute combines the heritage 
of Hampton University with the vision of Booker T. Washington, to 
educate young people with the knowledge, skills, insights, and positive 
values necessary for leading the United States into the new millennium.
  Mr. Speaker, I submit the Booker T. Washington Leadership Act for my 
colleagues consideration.

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