[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 147 (Monday, October 1, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2026]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        RECOGNIZING THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF VILLA JULIE COLLEGE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JOHN P. SARBANES

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 1, 2007

  Mr. SARBANES. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Villa Julie 
College in Stevenson, Maryland on its Founder's Day which recognizes 
the accomplishments of the remarkable women who helped establish the 
College and honors those who have since contributed and continue to 
contribute to Villa Julie's vitality.
  Villa Julie has developed from a one-year women's secretarial college 
into a four-year, co-educational liberal arts institution offering 
career-focused Bachelor's and Master's degrees in a variety of 
programs. It has transitioned from a local commuter college to a 
regional residential institute of higher learning. Enrollment has 
increased more than 45 percent in 7 years; revenues have doubled and 
the endowment has increased by more than $11 million since 2000.
  Today Villa Julie is Maryland's third largest independent college and 
it has earned recognition as a ``best value'' by several national news 
sources including U.S. News and World Report which ranked it in the top 
quarter for its classification. Villa Julie's distinct approach of 
blending liberal arts with a career focus continues to attract terrific 
students from around the region. Students have benefited significantly 
from Career Architecture, an award-winning process developed to assist 
them in building a career plan based on individual values, skills, and 
interests. More than 70 percent of incoming freshmen over the past six 
years say the College's reputation of preparing students for rewarding 
careers was ``very important'' in their decision to attend.
  As the College continues to expand, it has stayed true to its mission 
of increasing access to higher education. Student surveys indicate that 
about 60 percent of Villa Julie students are the first in their family 
to attend college.
  Madam Speaker, Villa Julie is a special place. The College, its 
founders and supporters can take enormous pride in how it has 
successfully adapted over time and in the difference it has made in the 
lives of so many in this area. I take this opportunity on Founder's Day 
to congratulate Villa Julie for its commitment to higher education over 
the past 60 years.

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