[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 52 (Tuesday, April 24, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E621]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        HONORING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF WESTERN STATE COLLEGE

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                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 24, 2001

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
wish Western State College in Gunnison, Colorado a happy 100th 
birthday. Since 1901 Western State College has been a model of 
excellence. It is that record of achievement that I would now like to 
honor.
  On April 16, 2001, then Governor James B. Orman signed a bill 
creating the Colorado State Normal School at Gunnison. This bill was a 
victory for the citizens of Gunnison, who would claim the first college 
west of the divide. This was the culmination of years of work on the 
part of Gunnison area citizens. Early efforts for a college came in 
1885 when Archie M. Stevenson, a Gunnison resident and state senator 
for the district, introduced a bill in the Colorado General Assembly.
  The cornerstone for the Normal School building was laid in October of 
1910 with the first classes beginning in September of 1911. A total of 
13 students attended classes taught by ten professors. In 1923 the 
college's name was changed to Western State College and it became a 
liberal arts college. Over the years Western has earned a reputation as 
a College whose faculty care deeply about teaching and working closely 
with the students.
  Western State College has developed strong academic programs in many 
areas and have attracted faculty with degrees from all over the world. 
Western's biology program has received a ``Program of Excellence'' 
award from the Colorado Commission on Higher Education. In 1975, 
Western's Water Workshop began, and continues to attract participants 
from around this region to work on one of west's most pressing issues.
  Western has recently opened a state of the art $9 million science 
building, making it one of the most sophisticated science facilities in 
the state. Its athletic department has placed in the top 10 nationally 
over the past few years in the Sears Cup for outstanding Division II 
schools.
  Mr. Speaker, for 100 years, Western State College has continued to 
excel in its educational mission. I would like Congress to praise the 
institution for its outstanding accomplishments and wish it continued 
success and another 100 years of excellence.

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