[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 62 (Wednesday, April 18, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E772-E773]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO DR. JAMES KOSSLER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ADAM B. SCHIFF

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 18, 2007

  Mr. SCHIFF. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. James Kossler. 
Dr. Kossler has served the community for more than 40 years in 
education. During this time, he devoted 19 years to Pasadena City 
College (PCC), 12 of which he served as President. Dr. Kossler has 
dedicated himself to the promotion of student success and educational 
achievement.
  Raised in Lynwood, California, Dr. Kossler received his bachelor's 
degree in philosophy and english from Saint John's College, California, 
and later earned a baccalaureate in theology and cannon law from 
Gregorian University, Rome, Italy. He then obtained his Master of 
Science degree in school management, and his Doctor of Education degree 
in institutional management from Pepperdine University.

[[Page E773]]

  Dr. Kossler taught at numerous high schools in the Los Angeles area 
and also held positions at East Los Angeles College, the University of 
Southern California, Pepperdine University, and Long Beach City College 
before serving as Vice President of PCC in 1988. Since then, he has 
served as a member of the Chancellor's Task Force on the Community 
College Budget, the State Commission on Athletics, and the Community 
College League's Commission on Legislation and Finance. Along with his 
involvement in education, Dr. Kossler is also an active member in the 
Rotary Club of Pasadena, the Pasadena Senior Center, and the YWCA.
  In October 1995, the Pasadena Area Community College District Board 
of Trustees appointed Dr. Kossler as the 10th President of PCC. 
Throughout his 12-year tenure as President, he advocated a vision that 
PCC would be a learning-centered institution that focused on improving 
the performance standards for students. Dr. Kossler aspired to increase 
the success of students in the completion of courses, number of degrees 
and certificates awarded, and the number of students transferring to 4-
year institutions.
  I ask all Members to join with me in congratulating Dr. James Kossler 
for his dedicated service and commitment to the promotion of education. 
I am sure that each person positively affected by Dr. Kossler's service 
will also join me in wishing him much joy in the years to come and 
thank him for his time, his energy, and his efforts.

                          ____________________