[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 6 (Tuesday, January 27, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E48]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    IN HONOR OF SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHRISTOPHER JOHN

                              of louisiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 27, 2004

  Mr. JOHN. Mr. Speaker, the Southern University football team gave 
Jaguar fans throughout Louisiana something to cheer about when they 
were recently recognized by the Sheridan poll as the 2004 Historically 
Black College National Champions. The football team certainly earned 
this distinction by completing an impressive 12-1 season that included 
victories in the Bayou Classic over instate rival Grambling State 
University and Alabama State University in the Southwestern Athletic 
Conference championship game. Congratulations are in order for Southern 
University Chancellor Edward Jackson, Coach Pete Richardson, the 
student-athletes, cheerleaders, members of the band and fans.
  The Jaguar football team joins with a number of other Southern 
athletic teams that have had success. In 2002, Southern University was 
ranked by Sports Illustrated magazine as the 131st best Division I 
athletic program in the Nation, quite an accomplishment when thinking 
about all of the terrific athletic programs throughout the country. 
Seven teams, including baseball, women's basketball, bowling and 
softball, took SWAC titles. The university was the highest ranked 
Historically Black College on the Sports Illustrated list.
  The Jaguars also boast one of the most dynamic marching bands in the 
country. A revered and cherished tradition, the band never ceases to 
amaze. Last year, led by Dr. Isaac Greggs, the band participated in a 
competition involving more than 20 other black colleges. Southern 
emerged victorious and took first place as well as a $10,000 award.
  However, athletics and extracurricular activities are just some of 
the many exciting things going on at Southern. The university was named 
yet again as one of the top 50 colleges with the best environment for 
African American students; and only three other public black 
universities were ranked above Southern. This survey proves that 
Southern offers an excellent, well-rounded education at an affordable 
price.
  Some of the achievements at Southern can be attributed to the rising 
operating budget and funds available for campus improvements. The 
university is currently operating with a $180 million budget, the 
largest in the school's 124 years. This money will be available to run 
the university's five campuses spread throughout Louisiana. A 
significant portion of the budget had been allocated for endowed 
professorships which now stand at 31, but are set to increase. The 
university is also preparing to make drastic changes to a number of its 
campuses. Construction is set to begin on residential housing 
developments on the Baton Rouge, New Orleans and Shreveport campuses as 
well as improvements to the athletic facilities and off-campus housing.
  These accomplishments define Southern University as one of the 
preeminent Historically Black Colleges in the country and a source of 
tremendous pride for Louisiana. From its humble beginnings in 1880, 
Southern has grown into a vast university system with over 15,000 
students. However, the school continues to produce outstanding 
graduates and loyal alumni. I know that the university will proceed 
with confidence as a respected force in education and athletics.

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