[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 33 (Tuesday, March 16, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E373]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   A TRIBUTE TO MEDGAR EVERS COLLEGE

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                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 16, 2004

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Medgar Evers 
College for adding a Baccalaureate degree program in Social Work to its 
curriculum. Social Work is an invaluable profession for creative and 
positive change in our communities, and I commend Medgar Evers for 
fulfilling this vital social need.
  The announcement of this degree program coincides with National 
Social Work Month. Being a social worker myself, I know the vital role 
this profession plays in empowering individuals and enhancing social 
well-being.
  Social workers are able to reach the most disaffected members of our 
communities. People who otherwise would have fallen through the cracks 
are taught to identify and manage the underlying environmental forces 
behind their social problems.
  There are approximately half a million social workers actively 
involved in helping individuals with various needs in areas such as 
health, mental illness, diversity, children, families, aging, poverty, 
human rights, and social injustice. Despite the far-reaching benefits 
of social work, it is a profession in need of new members. Nearly three 
fourths of all social workers were born before 1960, and their median 
age is 50. Programs like the one being started at Medgar Evers are 
essential for preparing a new generation of social workers to address 
the complex problems facing society today.
  Social workers are on the front lines, battling the many social 
problems plaguing our communities. The very nature and goal of social 
work is to help people. I cannot think of a profession more worthy of 
praise or more significant in impact.
  Medgar Evers College faithfully serves the community by fulfilling 
its mission of meeting ``the educational and social needs of Central 
Brooklyn through the development and maintenance of high quality, 
professional career-oriented undergraduate degree programs in the 
context of liberal education.'' The creation of a degree in Social Work 
is another step forward in this fine educational tradition.
  I know that my own education in social work has been invaluable in 
both my personal and professional lives, and I am happy that Medgar 
Evers is supporting this noble and important profession.
  Mr. Speaker, Medgar Evers College is working hard to serve its 
community through the addition of a Social Work degree to its 
curriculum. As such, it is worthy of receiving our recognition today, 
and I urge all of my colleagues to join me in honoring this truly 
remarkable institution.

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