[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 16 (Wednesday, January 29, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E100]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  TRIBUTE TO FERRIS FOUNDATION AND THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR EQUAL 
                    OPPORTUNITY IN HIGHER EDUCATION

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                          HON. JAMES P. MORAN

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 29, 2003

  Mr. MORAN of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
achievements of the Ferris Foundation and the National Association for 
Equal Opportunity in Higher Education for understanding the importance 
of international education programs.
  In 1989, Dr. Richard Ferris created the Ferris Foundation for 
Graduate Education, Inc. to nurture the strong bonds between the people 
and institutions of the United States and Ireland. Since the beginning, 
the Ferris Foundation has invested resources in the creation of 
academic projects providing postgraduate education to outstanding 
scholars of both countries. Over the years, the Ferris Foundation has 
brought excellent young scholars from universities in Northern Ireland 
and the Republic of Ireland to the United States for advanced studies 
in management and finance.
  Last year, the Ferris Foundation and the National Association for 
Equal Opportunity in Higher Education embarked on a partnership to give 
both African-American and Irish students an opportunity to learn about 
the Irish and African-American cultures that exist in their respective 
countries.
  The rector of the university system in Ireland worked with Dr. Ferris 
and the National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education 
to facilitate the implementation of this innovative program. The 
Association identified a number of scholarly and well-rounded students 
from some of the most prestigious African-American universities. The 
four students who were selected for graduate study in Ireland include: 
James Keeton of Albany State; Akisha Campbell of Florida A & M 
University; Joseph Easter of Jackson State University and Keisha Senter 
of Florida A & M University. These four distinguished scholars will 
experience Irish culture through a planned program of graduate study 
and through employment in an American corporation in Ireland.
  This unique project not only provides each participant with a 
superior graduate education but also an introductory employment 
experience and a perspective on American culture seen through their new 
``Irish eyes.''
  I wish the Ferris Foundation and the Republic of Ireland and the 
National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education well as 
they continue on the path of fostering cultural exchange and embodying 
the motto of the National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher 
Education in ``Keeping the Doors of Opportunity Open.''

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