[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 27 (Tuesday, March 12, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E319]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN HONOR OF EASTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY'S PLACEMENT ON THE AMERICA'S 
                           BEST COLLEGES LIST

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DAVID D. PHELPS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 12, 2002

  Mr. PHELPS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize Eastern Illinois 
University in Charleston, Illinois, of my district. This Fall, Eastern 
Illinois University moved from the second tier to the first tier of the 
Midwestern Regional Universities in US News and World Report's 2002 
annual guide to America's Best Colleges, placing it among the top 
public universities in the Midwest.
  Eastern Illinois University is the only public university in the 
State of Illinois listed in the first tier of four tiers of 145 
institutions in the ``Best Universities--Masters (Regional Midwest)'' 
ranking category--universities that offer a full range of undergraduate 
degrees and some master's degree programs, but few, if any doctoral 
programs. In addition, the magazine also rated Eastern fifth among all 
public Midwestern universities with master's programs, compared to 
seventh place of last year. The rankings are based on schools academic 
reputation, student selectivity, faculty resources, graduation and 
retention rates, financial resources, and alumni giving.
  One of the most impressive statistics regarding Eastern Illinois 
University is that they have an average graduation rate of 67 percent. 
This rate reflects their strong commitment to the students that attend 
Eastern, and the effective leadership provided by interim president, 
Louis V. Hencken. Mr. Speaker, these graduates leave Eastern Illinois 
University with a quality education that makes them desired candidates 
for jobs within my district and the entire State of Illinois.
  It is an honor to represent the city of Charleston, Illinois, and I 
offer my congratulations to the entire faculty and staff of Eastern 
Illinois University and commend them on this tremendous achievement.

                          ____________________