[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 51 (Monday, March 31, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E622]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ALBANY STATE!

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                      HON. SANFORD D. BISHOP, JR.

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 31, 2003

  Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate one 
of our country's truly great institutions of higher learning, Albany 
State University--which this year is celebrating its 100th birthday.
  Albany State, located in Albany, Georgia in the heart of our state's 
Second Congressional District, opened its doors in 1903 as a privately 
funded institution as the Albany Bible and Manual Training Institute, 
serving young African American men and women in an area where few 
educational opportunities were then available.
  Today, the university, now a part of the state system, serves an 
increasingly diverse student body while continuing to fulfill its 
historic mission in reaching out to our region's underserved 
populations.
  Albany State's first job is to provide an excellent education to its 
students, offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degrees 
and a variety of non-degree educational programs.
  But Albany State also does much more.
  This highly committed, creative, vibrant educational complex has 
made, and is making, a major contribution to the growth of the whole 
community and region through its research, outreach and public service 
activities.
  The history of Albany State is one of steady growth and success.
  In the early years, the school provided much needed teacher and 
vocational training. In 1917, the school became a two-year state-
supported college with a new name, the Georgia Normal and Agricultural 
College, with programs in teaching and agriculture. In 1943, the 
growing institution again acquired a new name, Albany State College. 
Over he ensuing years, Albany State added more and more undergraduate 
and eventually graduate degrees, and university status was granted in 
1996.
  Albany State has been blessed with outstanding leadership. Dr. Joseph 
Winthrop Holley was the first President, and he served in that capacity 
for 40 years. He was succeeded by Dr. Aaron Brown; Dr. William H. 
Dennis; Dr. Thomas Miller Jenkins; Dr. Charles L. Hayes, and Dr. Billy 
C. Black. Albany State's current president is among the country's 
leading educational figures, Dr. Portia Holmes Shields, whose sister is 
our own Eleanor Holmes Norton.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to place in the Record part of Albany 
State's Centennial Resolution, which says:

       Whereas, Albany State University's tradition of excellence 
     has been the result of dedicated service by faculty, staff, 
     students and community;
       Whereas, Albany State University is a progressive 
     institution fostering the growth and development of the 
     region, state and nation through teaching, research, creative 
     expression and public service;
       Whereas, Albany State University embraces the concept of 
     `students first' as a core institutional value, promotes 
     global learning, and is committed to educational excellence 
     with special emphasis on the underserved while continuing to 
     serve the educational needs of an increasingly diverse 
     student population;
       Whereas, Albany State University celebrates throughout the 
     year of our Lord two thousand and three the centennial theme, 
     ``A Glorious Past to Cherish, An Infinite Future to 
     Fulfill'';
       Whereas, Albany State University is recognized for its 
     unwavering commitment to graduating empowered leaders, 
     building better communities and making the difference.
       Now therefore be it resolved That April 4, 2003 is 
     recognized as Albany State University Day in the City of 
     Albany in recognition of the Centennial Founders Day 
     celebration of Albany State University.

  Happy Birthday, Albany State!

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