[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 46 (Friday, March 21, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E550]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING DEBBIE ULIBARRI

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 20, 2003

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
recognize Debbie Ulibarri of Trinidad, Colorado. A teacher at Trinidad 
State Junior College, Debbie is an inspiration to her students, and a 
reminder of the important opportunities our community colleges provide. 
She has done much to promote the importance of higher education in my 
district, and today I would like to highlight her accomplishments 
before this body of Congress and this nation.
  Debbie's story demonstrates the influential role of community 
colleges in our nation's communities. She arrived on the campus of 
Trinidad State Junior College in 1992, apprehensive about returning to 
school after twenty years in the workforce. Debbie found a welcoming 
attitude at TSJC that assuaged her fears and opened up worlds she had 
never dreamed of. Debbie earned her GED and two associates degrees at 
TSJC, and began teaching math in TSJC's Math Lab while still a student 
there. Debbie went on to earn a Bachelor's degree in mathematics from 
New Mexico Highlands University and a masters degree from Regis 
University. As one of the school's success stories, Debbie returned to 
TSJC as a full-time math instructor. She has been an innovative teacher 
of algebra, trigonometry and statistics, seamlessly incorporating 
technology into her classroom and creating on-line classes for students 
from all over the country. Debbie has also stepped into a leadership 
role at the college, serving as TSJC's accreditation coordinator as 
well as the math and science division chair. In recognition of her 
efforts, Debbie was selected at TSJC's Faculty of the Year.
  Mr. Speaker, our nation's community colleges are learning centers for 
a wide variety of both traditional and non-traditional students, 
helping them achieve their goals. Debbie Ulibarri is a perfect example 
of how these institutions can help enhance and change a life, and it is 
a great privilege to salute Debbie before this body of Congress and 
this nation for her achievements as both a student and teacher.

                          ____________________