[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 29 (Thursday, February 15, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E355]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING CRAFTON HILLS COLLEGE FOR 35 YEARS OF COMMITMENT TO STUDENT 
                              ACHIEVEMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JERRY LEWIS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 14, 2007

  Mr. LEWIS of California. Madam Speaker, it is with great honor that I 
rise today to recognize the 35th anniversary of Crafton Hills College, 
a true leader among community colleges and an exemplary model of 
dedication to student achievement.
  Since opening its doors to students in 1972, Crafton Hills College 
has expanded the education and increased the job skills of over 100,000 
people from all backgrounds and ages. Beginning as an idea in the minds 
of two Los Angeles philanthropists, the development of a community 
college on 500 acres of land soon became a reality. A special election 
in 1967 secured funding for construction of the campus, and the first 
classes were taught only 5 years later. The accessibility of the 
education and top-notch professional programs attracted students from 
all areas of southern California. In only 35 years Crafton Hills 
College experienced unprecedented growth, from an original population 
of 881 students and 21 full-time faculty members in 1972, to the 
current number of students totaling over 5,200 with 80 full-time 
teachers and administrators.
  Crafton Hills College serves as a model for other schools in handling 
expansion of a student population while remaining constant in the 
quality of their programs. Crafton Hills has continued to maintain a 
low cost of tuition and offer superior classroom instructors, while 
concurrently forming their programs into some of the most reliable in 
the California college system. Because they have access to a variety of 
occupational and degree programs, students are able to become 
adequately prepared for employment in the workforce, or transfer to a 
4-year university in any of 36 different majors.
  The Fire Science Program and the Emergency Medical Services-Paramedic 
Program are recognized as two of the most outstanding college emergency 
services programs in the state, and Crafton Hills is the primary 
location for paramedic training in the San Bernardino and Riverside 
counties. The programs are supported by the involvement of local 
hospitals, fire departments, and emergency facilities, and this 
inclusion of community agencies has encouraged students to engage in 
hands-on learning while allowing them the rare opportunity to network 
with potential employers. By funneling their newly gained skills into 
health care professions, firefighting, and paramedic services in the 
southern California area, students demonstrate a dedication to 
enhancing public health and safety for those around them, and in many 
cases, forego the risk to their own lives.
  Crafton Hills College has been a key element in the success of the 
San Bernardino Regional Emergency Training Center. The center trains 
fire fighting personnel in proper tactics for fighting aircraft fires 
and adequate rescue techniques, and Crafton Hills College implements 
and oversees the center's educational component. The enthusiasm and 
teaching ability of the administrators and teachers will undoubtedly 
continue to attract firefighters throughout the Nation eager to receive 
top-notch instruction and training.
  The 35th anniversary of such a well-regarded college is certainly a 
cause for recognition. It is with great privilege that I represent such 
a respected academic institution, and I ask my colleagues to join with 
me in recognizing thirty-five years of achievements at Crafton Hills 
College.

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