[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 106 (Friday, July 29, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1722-E1723]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING THE TENTH ANNIVERSARY OF MONTGOMERY COLLEGE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEVIN BRADY

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 29, 2005

  Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the tenth 
anniversary of the opening of Montgomery College, part of the North 
Harris Montgomery County Community College District, NHMCCD.
  The beginnings of Montgomery College started long before August 14, 
1995 when Governor George W. Bush presided over the grand opening of 
the 315,000-square-foot campus nestled in 100 acres of pine forest 
between The Woodlands and Conroe, TX.
  Residents of Montgomery County who dreamed of having an institution 
of higher education in their midst had sought unsuccessfully in the 
1970s and 1980s to establish a branch campus of an existing 
institution. But it was not until 1991 that voters approved a plan to 
join the nearest community college district, North Harris County, and 
to build Montgomery College.
  Dr. Bill Law, the founding president of Montgomery College, led the 
college from its first days with a mere 1000 students meeting at local 
high schools. By the time the new campus opened in 1995, Dr. Law could 
say, ``The sun is always shining at Montgomery College. It shines 
because we have the tremendous opportunity to help people improve their 
lives.''
  As Montgomery County experienced rapid population growth and business 
expansion during the 1990s, it found itself one of the fastest-growing 
community colleges in Texas, as well as the entire U.S. As the college 
grew, so did the number of programs and services that it offered. In 
spite of the rapid growth, the college maintained its focus on the 
hiring of excellent faculty members, ensuring that students' classroom 
experience would prepare them for the next level--whether it be a new 
career or transfer to a 4-year university.
  During the college's third year, a partnership between NHMCCD and six 
area universities, The University Center, debuted, offering bachelor's 
and master's degrees to area residents who desired to pursue higher 
education closer to home. The University Center, located on the 
Montgomery College campus, only served to strengthen the college's role 
in providing an avenue toward a higher degree for its students.
  The college enhanced its continuing education program during this 
time by kicking off an annual summer camp for youth and establishing 
the Academy for Lifelong Learning, which provides educational programs 
for the burgeoning senior population in the area.

[[Page E1723]]

  In 1999 and 2000, the college was the recipient of several large 
Federal and State grants designed to move welfare recipients into the 
working world through a variety of career-oriented programs. By the 
fall of 2001, the college's enrollment approached 6,000 students and 
showed no signs of slowing down.
  In early 2002, Dr. Tom Butler, a native Texan, took over the 
presidency of Montgomery College and put into place a strategic 
planning process to manage growth. This included a 72,000-square-foot 
library and classroom building. Program expansion included a tripling 
of the college's capacity for nursing students and other programs 
designed to meet the tremendous needs in the health care industry. 
Other new programs included teacher certification track as well as the 
opportunity for students to receive college credit for internships with 
elected officials, including my office in Conroe, TX.

  The college also found new ways to engage the community through the 
Lyceum speaker's series, a classic/independent film series, and diverse 
artistic performances and shows.
  The innovative style that characterized the early years of Montgomery 
College have continued to keep the college focused on providing 
students and the community with a world-class learning environment. By 
the fall of 2004, enrollment for credit stood at 7,400 students.
  According to Dr. Butler, ``a successful community college is always 
listening and responding--whether it be to its own students, the 
community, or the businesses in the area. That, more than anything 
else, provides us with unlimited potential for the future.''
  Mr. Speaker, it is institutions of higher education such as 
Montgomery College that make American communities strong while making 
the American dream of a higher education available to all. It is an 
honor to represent the citizens of Montgomery County, including the 
students at Montgomery College, in the U.S. House of Representatives 
and I urge you to join me in honoring the tenth anniversary of the 
College's campus.

                          ____________________