[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 49 (Wednesday, March 21, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E594]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                TRIBUTE TO SOUTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOHN SHIMKUS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 20, 2007

  Mr. SHIMKUS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor my alma mater 
Southern Illinois University of Edwardsville, where I graduated with my 
MBA in 1997, on its 50th anniversary.
  The University currently serves nearly 13,500 students from 101 
Illinois counties, 43 other U.S. States, and 46 nations. Since its 
inception, the institution has directly influenced the rate of 
individuals earning 4-year degrees in the St. Louis Metropolitan area 
of Southern Illinois, up from 3 percent in Madison and St. Clair 
counties in 1957 to 20 percent today. The University contributes 
roughly $356 million to its regional economy, according to an Economic 
Impact Study released in May 2006, and more than 37,000 alumni live in 
the region and contribute to the economy.
  Over the last 50 years the institution has played a major role in 
elevating the quality of people's lives, as well as their earning 
potential in Illinois. Southern Illinois University of Edwardsville has 
conferred more than 90,000 degrees in its history, with more than 
75,000 alumni. The institution helped more than 8,000 people in the 
East St. Louis area and surrounding communities in the year 2006 
through services, training opportunities, and programs at the SlUE East 
St. Louis Center.
  Southern Illinois University of Edwardsville has been ranked two 
consecutive years among U.S. News & World Report's America's 15 Best 
Colleges, along with Harvard University, MIT, and other prestigious 
institutions, for its Senior Assignment Program and integrative 
learning experience required for all seniors prior to graduation. The 
University's Senior Assignment Program also was ranked as a model for 
learning assessment in the country by the American Association of 
Colleges & Universities in January 2007. The School of Dental Medicine, 
rated among the top dental schools in the Nation, is the only dental 
school in Illinois outside Cook County and the only dental school 
within 250 miles of the St. Louis Metropolitan Area. The dental school 
provides more than $50,000 in free oral health care to children 
annually through Give Kids a Smile Day and more than $30,000 annually 
in care to low-income and uninsured patients who otherwise might go 
untreated.
  After finishing fourth nationally in the U.S. Sports Academy 
Directors' Cup among NCAA Division II schools in 2006, the institution 
is now currently in the process of moving its quality intercollegiate 
athletics program forward to NCAA Division I status.
  I am pleased to congratulate Southern Illinois University of 
Edwardsville on its 50 years of accomplishments.

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