[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 21 (Tuesday, March 1, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E312-E313]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING SENATOR JOHN VASCONCELLOS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BARBARA LEE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 1, 2005

  Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the outstanding work of 
California State Senator John Vasconcellos. In the nearly four decades 
Senator Vasconcellos has served in the California State Legislature, he 
has worked tirelessly to promote policies which emphasize education and 
peace, both in government and in local communities.
  Senator Vasconcellos was born in San Jose, California, in 1932. He 
was the eldest of three children born to a Portuguese father and a 
German mother. Notably, he became the only student in the history of 
Santa Clara University to serve as Student Body President, to be the 
Valedictorian of his class, and to win the Nobili Medal, which is 
awarded to the most outstanding graduate. After completing his 
undergraduate studies, Senator Vasconcellos served two years as a 
lieutenant in the United States Army before returning to Santa Clara 
University to enroll in law school.
  In 1966, Senator Vasconcellos was elected to represent California's 
13th district in the State Assembly, a position he would hold for 30 
years. During that time, he served on many of the state's most 
important committees, including the Committee on Ways and Means, the 
Assembly Education Committee, and the Select Committee on Ethics. 
During his time as a State Assemblymember, he also spearheaded some of 
the most important and socially consequential legislation of his time. 
He was responsible for the creation not only of the first campus 
childcare program in the nation, but has been a steadfast supporter of 
student financial aid throughout his career. His commitment to 
education is demonstrated not only by his creation of the Cal Grant 
Program 25 years ago, which now serves over 60,000 students each year, 
but also by his advocacy of the personal and academic development of 
all children, as evidenced by his creation of the California Task Force 
to Promote Self Esteem and Personal & Social Responsibility.
  After terming out of the California State Assembly in 1996, he was 
able to run for the open State Senate seat in his district and won. He 
continued to tirelessly serve the public and the cause of quality 
children's education in this capacity until his retirement in 2004. 
Though he no longer holds public office, Senator Vasconcellos continues 
to work for the improvement and accessibility of education, and has 
worked to establish a scholarship fund as

[[Page E313]]

well as a program for students pursuing careers in early education, and 
another program aimed at building a network of leaders and activists 
who focus on education reform, children's issues, health, and ageing.
  On Saturday, February 19, 2005, Senator Vasconcellos will be honored 
in Berkeley, California for these extraordinary accomplishments. 
Through his commitment to improving education and increasing 
opportunity for all children, he has not only touched countless lives, 
but exemplifies the true spirit of public service. I am honored to call 
him ``my friend.'' On this important occasion, I salute and 
congratulate Senator Vasconcellos for his invaluable contributions the 
State of California, our country, and the world.

                          ____________________