[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 10 (Tuesday, February 8, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E88]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   IN REMEMBRANCE OF EARL LESTER COLE

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                          HON. JULIAN C. DIXON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 8, 2000

  Mr. DIXON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Earl Lester 
Cole, one of the great pioneers whose exemplary years of service as an 
educator at Grambling State University spanned nearly half a century. 
Earl Lester Cole's tenure at Grambling began in 1936 as a science 
teacher; advancing through the ranks of the faculty, becoming dean in 
1946 and was appointed vice president in 1969.
  ``Dean Cole'' as he was affectionately called even after assuming the 
vice presidency, can be remembered for his active involvement in 
implementing curriculum which is considered to be the cornerstone to 
courses now being offered at Grambling State University. Even after his 
retirement in 1977, Earl Lester Cole continued to advise members of the 
faculty and administrators.
  Mr. Cole was highly respected by his former colleagues and students 
and is described as a true professional, a good administrator, and a 
truly outstanding man who is credited for the positive influence in the 
educational advancement of his former students. Honesty and a fullness 
of integrity were accolades from those who knew him well. Over the 
years, he had been recognized for his numerous contributions to 
Grambling, culminating 10 years ago in the naming of the university's 
honors college, the Earl Lester Cole Honors College.
  His influential involvement in the community brought several 
businesses to the university and as an active member of New Rocky 
Valley Baptist Church, ``Dean Cole'' was instrumental in the 
construction of a building for the church.
  Mr. Speaker, Earl Lester Cole recently succumbed after a prolonged 
illness at the age of 89. He can be remembered as a man who gave much 
to the field of higher education at a historically black university, 
always exuded a commanding presence during his lifetime. In his passing 
``Dean Cole'' will be deeply missed by his family, colleagues and 
friends. Our heartfelt sympathy to his wife, Garnett, his two children, 
and Elouise Martin, his sister-in-law.

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