[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 158 (Tuesday, November 4, 2003)]
[House]
[Pages H10297-H10300]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    RECOGNIZING OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTIONS OF CHRISTIAN COLLEGES AND 
                              UNIVERSITIES

  Mr. HOEKSTRA. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to 
the resolution (H. Res. 300) recognizing the outstanding contributions 
of the faculty, staff, students, and alumni of Christian colleges and 
universities, as amended.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                              H. Res. 300

       Whereas the United States has benefited greatly from over 
     1,000 Christian colleges, beginning with the Nation's first 
     Christian college in 1636;
       Whereas 900 such campuses continue to identify themselves 
     as religious institutions, adding to the rich diversity of 
     higher education in the Nation;
       Whereas more than 125 Christian colleges, as members or 
     affiliates of the Council for Christian Colleges & 
     Universities provide faith-infused scholarship and service 
     that produces students strongly dedicated to their faith, 
     values, and morals;
       Whereas the Council's member institutions are located in 30 
     States, represent more than 30 religious traditions, and with 
     15,000 faculty members serve more than 200,000 students;
       Whereas nearly all (99 percent) of students at Council 
     institutions participate in some form of service and learning 
     through extracurricular activities and 80 percent participate 
     in experiential learning;
       Whereas alumni from Council institutions reported that 
     their college education helped them develop moral principles 
     and a sense of

[[Page H10298]]

     purpose in life, place a high priority on community service, 
     helping the disadvantaged and strongly agreed that their 
     college life prepared them to achieve success;
       Whereas the Nation benefits from Council institution 
     students and graduates whose faith, values, and morals 
     provide an environment that encourages honesty, trust, 
     respect, and responsibility in the many fields they enter 
     including science, business, education, government, medicine, 
     the arts, and in volunteer community service; and
       Whereas the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities 
     recognizes the month of October as Christian Higher Education 
     Month: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
       (1) supports the goals of Christian Higher Education Month, 
     an event sponsored by the Council for Christian Colleges & 
     Universities and established to recognize the vital 
     contributions of the Nation's Christian colleges and 
     universities; and
       (2) congratulates Christian colleges and universities, 
     their students, faculty and staff across the Nation for their 
     ongoing contributions to education, and for the key role they 
     play in promoting and ensuring a brighter, stronger future 
     for the Nation.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Michigan (Mr. Hoekstra) and the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Kildee) 
each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Hoekstra).


                             General Leave

  Mr. HOEKSTRA. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 
may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their 
remarks on H. Res. 300.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Michigan?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. HOEKSTRA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 300, which honors the 
outstanding contributions of the faculty, staff, students, and alumni 
of Christian colleges and universities. I am pleased that 28 of my 
colleagues on both sides of the aisle have joined as cosponsors of this 
resolution which also recognizes October as Christian Higher Education 
Month, in honor of the 367-year history of Christian higher education 
in our Nation.

                              {time}  1615

  Unfortunately, due to the full legislative schedule and the debate 
surrounding the supplemental appropriations bill, we were unable to 
schedule this resolution during the month of October, when many faith-
based institutions celebrated their religious heritage.
  The United States has a rich tradition of Christian higher education. 
Many of our Nation's oldest and most highly esteemed colleges and 
universities have their roots in Christian religious traditions, 
including Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Brown, Rutgers and Dartmouth.
  Today, the array of opportunities in higher education are at an all-
time high. According to the U.S. Department of Education, there are 
6,250 different institutions eligible for Federal assistance under the 
Higher Education Act. Of these, 4,200 are degree-granting institutions 
of higher education in the United States. Approximately 1,600 of these 
are private, nonprofit campuses; and about 900 of these identify 
themselves as having some religious heritage or affiliation. This adds 
to the rich diversity of higher education in the United States.
  Among these hundreds of campuses are Members who are affiliates of 
the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities, CCCU, an 
association founded in 1976 to support Christian higher education and 
to help its institutions transform lives by integrating faith, 
scholarship, and service. These 127 campuses are located in 32 States, 
enroll over 200,000 students, and have more than 15,000 faculty on 
staff. Council member institutions also represent more than 30 
different denominational traditions.
  It was this association that took the initiative to focus on a 
specific month to honor all institutions of higher education whose 
faith tradition is an important element in their history and ongoing 
mission.
  According to the National Center for Education Statistics, during the 
last decade, there was an overall increase in enrollment across the 
country among public and private institutions of higher education. 
Interestingly, while enrollment at public colleges and universities 
increased at a rate of 4 percent and at private institutions they 
increased by 17 percent, at CCCU member institutions, student 
enrollment grew by 47 percent during the 1990s.
  Enrollment at these faith-based institutions of higher education is 
not just growing; it is thriving. Council institutions generally have a 
smaller student body than their private and public counterparts, which 
produces several benefits for the students who choose to attend these 
institutions, including smaller student-faculty ratios, which gives 
students the opportunity for more personal interaction with their 
professors, a greater participation in extracurricular activities, and 
a greater sense of community with their fellow classmates.
  Nearly all students at council institutions participate in some form 
of service and learning through extracurricular activities during their 
college tenure. A study of council alumni reported that their college 
education helped them develop moral principles and a sense of purpose. 
They place a high priority on community service, helping the 
disadvantaged and promoting civic engagement.
  The Nation benefits from the rich diversity of all the different 
colleges and universities which make up higher education in our Nation. 
I am an ardent supporter of our system of higher education because it 
allows individuals to make choices based upon their own unique needs, 
personal goals, and interests. I strongly believe that ours is one of 
the best education models that exists due to its embracement of 
diversity, its rigorous standards and the manner in which it empowers 
students to make the choices that complement their individuality.
  This resolution that we are considering today specifically recognizes 
those campuses whose faith traditions add to the mosaic of 
opportunities in post-secondary education. I am pleased that we are 
able to recognize them in this way and urge my colleagues to support 
this expression of appreciation.
  Again, we are recognizing many of our Nation's oldest and most highly 
esteemed colleges and universities that have their roots in Christian 
education, including Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Brown, Rutgers, 
Dartmouth, and Hope College.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 300. This resolution 
recognizes the outstanding contributions of the faculty, staff, 
students, and alumni of Christian colleges and universities. All of our 
institutions of higher education, their faculty, staff, students and 
alumni play an important role in making our Nation stronger and more 
productive.
  Higher education is a critical element in the lives of Americans. 
Obtaining a college degree translates into higher incomes, stronger 
families, and greater contributions to society.
  Fortunately, the truly great aspect of the American higher education 
system is its diversity, including its rich religious heritage. We have 
a higher educational system, coupled with Pell grants and student 
loans, that can provide access to a quality education.
  Whether you attend a 4-year public or private university, a 2-year 
community college or proprietary institution of higher education, we 
have outstanding educational opportunities. This recipe for success 
certainly includes Christian colleges. They are deeply rooted in the 
history and growth of this country. Their work and the work of their 
alumni is rightly being recognized today. It is this variety, this 
diversity, that truly makes higher education a national treasure in 
this country.
  Mr. Speaker, in closing, I urge all Members to support this 
resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. HOEKSTRA. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from 
Colorado (Mr. Beauprez).
  Mr. BEAUPREZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to add my strong support for 
the passage of H. Res. 300. I commend the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. 
Hoekstra) for bringing this important legislation to the floor, and I 
thank him.
  As a cosponsor of H. Res. 300, I share my colleague's commitment to 
recognizing the great contributions to education and society as a whole 
that our

[[Page H10299]]

country's Christian colleges and universities provide. While the United 
States has benefited greatly as a result of over 1,000 Christian 
colleges since our Nation's first Christian college was founded in 
1636, I would like to recognize one such university specifically, 
Colorado Christian University, located in Lakewood, Colorado, or CCU.
  CCU is the only member of the Council for Christian Colleges and 
Universities in the Rocky Mountain region. A private, nondenominational 
institution, CCU provides a distinctive education that integrates 
Biblical teachings with academic scholarship. CCU offers more than 20 
undergraduate and graduate programs designed to equip students to 
become knowledgeable leaders in their field. Outside the classroom, CCU 
students participate in mission trips to over 15 countries and serve 
the local Denver community through a variety of student-led ministries.
  Approximately 1,000 students are enrolled in traditional 
undergraduate programs. Another 1,000 students are enrolled in graduate 
and adult programs throughout Colorado. On a daily basis, many of these 
students are providing invaluable leadership and service throughout the 
State.
  Mr. Speaker, I want to say how glad I am that the House of 
Representatives has seen fit to recognize the vital contributions of 
our Nation's Christian colleges and universities, and especially the 
contributions of my constituents at CCU. I join all my colleagues today 
in congratulating all these institutions of higher learning, their 
students, their faculty and staff across the Nation for their ongoing 
contributions to education and for the key role they play in promoting 
and ensuring a brighter and stronger future for this Nation.
  Mr. HOEKSTRA. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from 
Illinois (Mr. Shimkus).
  (Mr. SHIMKUS asked and was given permission to revise and extend his 
remarks.)
  Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding 
contributions of the faculty, staff and students and alumni of 
Christian colleges and universities.
  I am fortunate to have Greenville College, a Christian college, in my 
district, which I would like to recognize at this time. Greenville 
College is a 4-year, coeducational Christian liberal arts college 
located in Greenville, Illinois, founded in 1892 and affiliated with 
the Free Methodist Church. Its mission is to transform students for 
lives of character and service through a Christ-centered education in 
the liberal arts and sciences.
  The school currently has record high enrollment. It has partnered 
with community colleges in my district to provide quality degrees to 
students around the State. In particular, this public-private 
partnership has given adult students the opportunity to obtain degrees 
in underserved careers such as teaching. The school has a national 
reputation for its Christian music degrees and has a very vibrant and 
exciting campus with motivated staff, faculty, and students.
  I am a staunch supporter of the religious freedoms we have in this 
country. One of those freedoms is the ability of our young adults to 
freely practice their religious beliefs at a Christian college. I am 
pleased that more than 1.5 million students attend religious-affiliated 
colleges around the country. They provide a rich diversity to our local 
towns and communities, and exemplify the set of values that I and many 
of my colleagues hold so deeply.
  Mr. HOEKSTRA. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to my colleague, the 
gentleman from the great State of Michigan (Mr. Ehlers).
  Mr. EHLERS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me time.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Hoekstra) for 
introducing this important resolution, and I would particularly like to 
commend three affiliates of the Council for Christian Colleges and 
Universities that are located within my district: Calvin College, 
Cornerstone University, and Reformed Bible College. Combined, these 
schools enroll approximately 6,600 undergraduates.
  As a former professor at Calvin College, I fully realize the value of 
Christian higher education. Intentionally Christ-centered colleges and 
universities encourage students to consider their studies in light of 
God's word and creation. This perspective enables students to develop 
moral principles and a sense of purpose in life. It also encourages the 
students to place a high priority on community service and on helping 
the disadvantaged.
  Christian colleges and universities not only prepare students for a 
life of service but also provide a well-rounded, academically excellent 
education. Let me once again refer to Calvin College as an example, 
because I am most familiar with that institution.
  Calvin College offers nearly 100 academic options, and its largest 
programs are education, engineering, and economics and business. 
Because Calvin is a liberal arts college, its graduates are 
exceptionally well prepared for a variety of vocations, regardless of 
their major.
  Furthermore, Calvin instills in its students a desire to serve 
others. Beginning at Streetfest, during first-year students' 
orientation, Calvin's Service and Learning Center encourages all 
students to serve people who are in need within the Grand Rapids 
community. In addition, most Calvin students have the opportunity to 
engage in service learning as part of their course work. This service 
orientation also extends to faculty. When faculty members are 
considered for promotion or tenure, their service to the community is 
one of the factors considered.
  The overarching goal of Calvin's service-oriented, academically 
excellent education, is to enable students to better understand how 
they can serve God in their chosen vocations and in their lives.
  I have used Calvin as an example simply because, as an alumnus and 
professor of 16 years at Calvin, I am very familiar with the college. 
But Calvin is just one of many Christian colleges and universities that 
make efforts to effectively equip students with a well-rounded 
education and the desire to serve others.
  Again, I support the goals of Christian Higher Education Month, and I 
commend the more than 125 members and affiliates of the Council for 
Christian Colleges and Universities for their vital contributions to 
our Nation.
  As the Committee on Education and the Workforce proceeds with 
reauthorization of the Higher Education Act, I am hopeful that the 
committee will be mindful of the valuable, faith-based education these 
colleges and universities provide.
  Mr. HOEKSTRA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my colleague from Michigan for 
recognizing Calvin College. I would also like to express appreciation 
to Calvin College, because tomorrow they are going to let Hope College 
beat them in soccer, and Hope College will take the MIAA championship 
one more time.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. 
McKeon).
  Mr. McKEON. Mr. Speaker, I am here to work on another bill, but I 
could not let the opportunity pass to speak a little bit of my alma 
mater. I attended Brigham Young University, as have all of our six 
children and hopefully soon some of our grandchildren; and I also have 
in my district at home the Master's College, which is a Baptist college 
that works with young people in the Santa Clarita Valley and attracts 
students from all around the country.

                              {time}  1630

  Both of these schools, as many others that have been named and many 
that are not being named today by name, are doing a tremendous job in 
the country educating our young people about life and preparing them 
for life, but also are teaching Christian values and virtues along with 
the book learning that they are getting.
  I started school in 1956 and actually graduated in 1985, and had the 
opportunity of chairing a subcommittee here that we titled Subcommittee 
on Education and Lifelong Learning. I guess the reason they gave me 
that one was because it took me 30 years to graduate. But I had the 
opportunity of graduating from Brigham Young University in 1985 with my 
oldest daughter. We both received our bachelor's and her husband 
received his master's on that day.
  I had a great experience in school. I think it has had a lot of 
impact on my

[[Page H10300]]

life, and I really appreciate the opportunity of serving in the 
Congress and working on the Committee on Education and the Workforce. I 
am thankful that the gentlemen from Michigan (Mr. Hoekstra) and (Mr. 
Kildee) are presenting this bill here today.
  Mr. HOEKSTRA. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from 
North Carolina (Mr. Hayes).
  Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, again, I want to commend the gentleman from 
Michigan (Chairman Hoekstra) for his leadership in recognizing the 
incredible role that Christian colleges and universities and 
institutions of higher learning have provided for this country. Being 
from the Eighth District of North Carolina, we certainly have wonderful 
examples, not only in the Eighth District, but throughout North 
Carolina: Camel College, Methodist College, Montreat College. As a 
matter of fact, if one checks the history of our institutions, one 
would probably find a very short list that did not have some connection 
to our Christian heritage and the Judeo-Christian values that we all 
hold dear.
  I particularly want to take this opportunity to thank all of those 
men and women who over the years, going all the way back to our 
Founding Fathers, have instilled the values in our young people that 
are so important for this Nation to maintain the greatness that it 
enjoys today.
  Christian institutions are not about imposing anyone's values on 
someone else; they are about proposing the values that have stood the 
test of time and which provide for us today those lessons learned that 
we can use to maintain the freedom and the democracy that is ours only 
in America.
  Again, I thank the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Hoekstra) for his 
leadership, and the gentleman from California (Mr. McKeon). I think it 
is an important legislation, and I strongly urge all Members to support 
it.
  Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I 
yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. HOEKSTRA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.
  I thank the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Kildee) for participating 
with us in moving this resolution forward, and for his support. I thank 
my colleagues for coming to the floor and speaking about the 
institutions that they have in their districts or their personal 
experiences and demonstrating the value of Christian colleges and how 
they present a rich mix of higher-education opportunities in the United 
States and how important of a component that they are.
  With that, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.
  Mr. STENHOLM. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of House 
Resolution 300, a bill that recognizes the outstanding contributions of 
the faculty, staff, students, and alumni of Christian colleges and 
universities.
  America has benefited greatly from the more than 900 Christian 
colleges, beginning with the nation's first such college in 1636.
  Christian colleges add to the rich diversity of higher education, 
offering students and faculty a place to learn and grow in a Christ-
centered atmosphere.
  There are four Christian universities in the 17th Congressional 
District of Texas: McMurry University, Abilene Christian University, 
Hardin-Simmins University and Howard Payne University. These Christian 
universities are actively rewarding scholarship and meaningful service. 
They help develop in their students respect and love for intellectual 
pursuits and faith in a loving and beneficent creator God.
  They graduate students with a broad and biblical worldview, an 
appreciation for human diversity and dedication to a life of service.
  I am truly honored to commend the high moral standards, Christian 
character and intellectual strength of the faculty, staff, students, 
and alumni of McMurry University, Abilene Christian University, Hardin-
Simmins University and Howard Payne University.
  These individuals teach us how to achieve success while engaging 
Christian principles.
  I also want to acknowledge the invaluable contributions these 
Christian institutions bring to the Abilene and Brownwood communities.
  The students and staff place a high priority on community service, 
and these West Texas communities benefit from their dedication and 
servant leadership.
  Please join me in recognizing the unique contributions of the 
faculty, staff, students, and alumni of Christian colleges and 
universities, and other faith-based institutions, throughout this Great 
Nation.
  I am pleased to support House Resolution 300, and I urge my 
colleagues to lend their support.
  Mr. BOEHNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 300, 
recognizing the contributions of the faculty, staff, students, and 
alumni of Christian colleges and universities.
   The month of October is recognized by the Council for Christian 
Colleges and Universities as ``Christian Higher Education Month.'' The 
United States has benefited tremendously from the over 1000 Christian 
colleges and universities that have been founded since the Nation's 
first Christian college was founded in 1636. My home state of Ohio has 
a number of Christian institutions, including my alma mater Xavier 
University.
   In a national survey by the Council for Christian College and 
Universities of Council member schools' alumni, 95 percent reported 
that their Christian college education helped them develop moral 
principles that guide their actions and 90 percent said their Christian 
college helped them develop a sense of purpose in life. I have found 
that my foundation in Catholic education, including higher education, 
has helped me to strengthen my sense of purpose in life and prepared me 
to achieve my goals and ambitions.
   I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this important resolution. 
The postsecondary education experience is enriched when students have 
the opportunity to determine their educational environment. H.R. 300 
supports the goals and ideas of Christian Higher Education Month by 
recognizing and honoring the important work of all our Christian 
colleges and universities.
  Mr. McKEON. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Resolution 300, 
introduced by the gentleman from Michigan, Pete Hoekstra. This 
resolution recognizes the university campuses affiliated with the 
Council for Christian Colleges and Universities, and other faith-based 
campuses and supports the goals and ideals of Christian Higher 
Education Month.
  As Chairman of the 21st Century Competition Subcommittee, which has 
jurisdiction over the Higher Education Act, I believe that institutions 
of higher education that are Christ-centered play an important role in 
providing a quality post-secondary education to our Nation's students. 
These institutions are vital to the well-being of our country and offer 
their students an education which focuses on service and a dedication 
to God and their community.
  In particular, I would like to recognize a college from my district, 
The Master's College, which has provided a quality post-secondary 
education to residents of California. The Master's College was 
established in 1927 with the mission to empower students for a life of 
enduring commitment to Christ, biblical fidelity, moral integrity, 
intellectual growth and lasting contribution to the kingdom of God. 
Located in Santa Clarita, this institution, under the direction of 
President John MacArthur, has been rated as one of America's best 
colleges by US News and World Report. In the last five out of six years 
alone, the Master's College has been ranked in the first tier of the 
Best Comprehensive Colleges--Bachelor's where it competes with over 324 
colleges from all across the country. I am proud of the record that the 
Master's College has earned over the years and would like to recognize 
their dedication and service to our country.
  I would also like to recognize my alma mater, Brigham Young 
University, which has been responsible for educating a majority of 
family. Established in 1875, BYU provides an outstanding education in 
an atmosphere consistent with the ideals and principle of its sponsor, 
the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. BYU's mission is to 
assist individuals in their quest for perfection and eternal life. To 
this end, BYU seeks to develop students of faith, intellect and 
character who have the skills and the desire to continue learning and 
to serve others throughout their lives.
  Mr. Speaker, I believe that these two institutions are two excellent 
examples of the type of academic institutions that H. Res. 300 
recognizes and I join my colleagues in support of the resolution.
  Mr. HOEKSTRA. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Boozman). The question is on the motion 
offered by the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Hoekstra) that the House 
suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 300, as amended.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor 
thereof) the rules were suspended and the resolution, as amended, was 
agreed to.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.




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