[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 10 (Tuesday, February 8, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E78]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 TRIBUTE TO LOS ANGELES MISSION COLLEGE

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                         HON. HOWARD L. BERMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 8, 2000

  Mr. BERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding 
educational institution in my community, Los Angeles Mission College. 
On February 10, 2000, Los Angeles Mission College will celebrate its 
25th Anniversary.
  Los Angeles Mission College was established to serve the northeast 
San Fernando Valley communities of Sylmar, San Fernando, Mission Hills, 
Lakeview Terrace, Arleta, Pacoima, Panorama City, Granada Hills, North 
Hills, Chatsworth, Porter Ranch, Sun Valley And Sunland-Tujunga. From 
an initial class of 1,228 students, enrollment has grown to include 
over 7,000 students per year. It has the fastest-growing enrollment in 
the L.A. Community College District. The College has enabled more than 
100,000 students to earn college degrees and occupational certificates, 
or transfer to baccalaureate granting institutions.
  With its strong record for developing innovative community based 
programs, Los Angeles Mission College has proven not just to be a 
leader among community colleges, but to be the embodiment of those 
values and ideals that make community colleges special. The College has 
developed successful employment directed programs, occupational 
transfer curricula, dynamic partnerships with local business and civic 
organizations, inventive technology applications and numerous workforce 
development programs. The College is unsurpassed in ensuring that its 
predominant first generation college students succeed in today's 
competitive marketplace. All of this is especially remarkable 
considering that its student population and financial needs have grown 
exponentially faster than available resources.
  I have attended and enjoyed many programs at Mission College and can, 
therefore, attest firsthand to the high spirit and love of learning to 
be found on its campus. Furthermore, I have regularly relied on Mission 
College students to assist me in my district office where they have 
served as interns and staff. I am greatly impressed by the caliber and 
dedication of Mission College students, faculty and administration.
  It is a pleasure to ask my colleagues to join me in saluting the Los 
Angeles Mission College on its 25th Anniversary. It has been an honor 
to have such a fine institution in the 26th Congressional District and 
I look forward to its continued evolution and success over the next 25 
years.




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