[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 175 (Tuesday, November 13, 2007)]
[House]
[Pages H13816-H13818]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING SAN JOSE STATE UNIVERSITY FOR ITS 150 YEARS OF COMMITMENT TO 
                        PUBLIC HIGHER EDUCATION

  Mr. BISHOP of New York. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and 
agree to the resolution (H. Res. 365) honoring San Jose State 
University for its 150 years of commitment to public higher education, 
as amended.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                              H. Res. 365

       Whereas 2007 commemorates the sesquicentennial year that 
     San Jose State University was first established in 1857 as 
     Minns Evening Normal School to train teachers for the growing 
     population of California;
       Whereas the success of the Minns Evening Normal School in 
     San Francisco led to an Act enacted by the California 
     Legislature on May 2, 1862, providing for the establishment 
     of the first California State Normal School in 1862 and thus 
     beginning a new era for education in the State of California: 
     the first State-wide program of free instruction in preparing 
     teachers and prospective teachers;
       Whereas from these beginnings as the oldest public, four-
     year institution of higher education in California, San Jose 
     State University has matured into a comprehensive university, 
     offering bachelor's and master's degrees in 134 programs;
       Whereas San Jose State University is the flagship school of 
     the California State University system, which uses the 1857 
     founding date as part of its own heritage as noted on its 
     official seal;
       Whereas California State University, the largest public 
     system of higher learning in the United States, is recognized 
     for its long-term commitment to affordable, accessible, and 
     high-quality education;
       Whereas San Jose State University is the region's largest 
     university and the third largest public-sector employer with 
     30,000 students and 4,000 employees;
       Whereas San Jose State University-related spending in the 
     San Francisco Bay Area is an estimated $479 million, 
     generating a total impact of $829 million on the region's 
     economy, sustaining 11,000 jobs, and generating $48 million 
     annually in tax revenue;
       Whereas San Jose State University has contributed to the 
     rich economic life and culture of the State of California by 
     providing nearly 7,000 graduates into the workforce each 
     year;
       Whereas San Jose State University's most prized tradition 
     is a commitment to enriching the lives of its students by 
     transmitting knowledge and providing them with the skills to 
     apply what they have learned into the service of our society;
       Whereas San Jose State University ranks tenth in the 
     Nation's top public universities in the total number of 
     minority graduates--African Americans, Latinos, Asian 
     Americans, and Pacific Islanders, with bachelor's degrees 
     across all disciplines;
       Whereas San Jose State University has conferred bachelor's 
     degrees in business management and the health professions to 
     more Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders than any other 
     college or university in the Nation;
       Whereas San Jose State University is among the top 35 
     colleges and universities in terms of the number of 
     bachelor's and master's degrees conferred to Latino students 
     and is therefore a recognized leader in graduating minority 
     students;
       Whereas San Jose State University's faculty contribute to 
     the quality of life in the Nation by their active engagement 
     in scholarship, research, technological innovation, community 
     service, and the arts; and
       Whereas San Jose State University is an active partner with 
     educational institutions, industries, and communities to 
     enhance the quality of education, research, development, and 
     community service for the State of California: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives honors San Jose 
     State University for its 150 years of commitment to public 
     higher education.
       Amend the title so as to read: ``Resolution honoring San 
     Jose State University for its 150 years of commitment to 
     public higher education.''.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from New 
York (Mr. Bishop) and the gentleman from New York (Mr. Kuhl) each will 
control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New York (Mr. Bishop).


                             General Leave

  Mr. BISHOP of New York. Mr. Speaker, I request 5 legislative days 
during which Members may insert material relevant to H. Res. 365 into 
the Record.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from New York?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. BISHOP of New York. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I 
may consume.
  I rise today in recognition of the 150th anniversary of San Jose 
State University. San Jose State University was established in 1857 as 
Minns Evening Normal School, for the sole purpose of training teachers, 
as California's population grew. As California's population has grown, 
San Jose State has grown into the largest university in the region with 
an enrollment of more than 30,000 students. The school has also 
expanded its programs to offer 134 bachelor's or master's degrees.
  San Jose State is an extremely diverse school, with an enrollment of 
23 percent of its students being Asian, 15 percent of its students 
being Hispanic, and 5 percent of its students being African American. 
This diversity has also led San Jose State to rank 10th in the Nation 
in total number of graduating minorities.
  Mr. Speaker, I am glad to see another outstanding educational 
institution continuing to serve all those who wish to advance their 
education. I would like to thank and congratulate my colleague, Mr. 
Honda, for bringing this resolution to the attention of the House of 
Representatives. I urge my colleagues to resoundingly pass this 
resolution.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. KUHL of New York. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  I rise in support of House Resolution 365, honoring San Jose State 
University for its 150 years of commitment to public higher education. 
I would like to thank my good friend, Mr. Honda, for introducing the 
resolution, and certainly my friend from New York for managing the bill 
on the floor tonight and recognizing the important role San Jose State 
University plays in educating the citizens of California and many other 
States and nations.
  San Jose State University was founded as a California State Normal 
School by the California legislature on May 4, 1857, and is the oldest 
public university in California. The California State Normal School was 
itself derived from the Minns Evening Normal School, which was also 
known as the San Francisco Normal School. Led by Principal George W. 
Minns, the San Francisco Normal School trained elementary teachers as 
part of that city's high

[[Page H13817]]

school system from 1857 to their professional development and personal 
growth.
  Silicon Valley firms are constantly seeking San Jose State University 
students for internships, summer work programs, and research and 
development. For a century and a half, San Jose State University 
faculty and staff has prepared its students for roles as leaders and 
highly productive professionals and citizens in society.
  There is no better way of understanding San Jose State University's 
economic impact than simply visiting any Silicon Valley workplace, 
whether it is a tech company, government office, a hospital, or 
classroom, many of the people you will meet have ties to San Jose State 
University. In fact, San Jose State University has sent nearly 300,000 
graduates into the workforce since it was founded in 1857, and I am 
honored to stand here today in support of this resolution and would say 
to my fellow colleagues: I would like you to support and congratulate 
San Jose State University's Don W. Kassing and all of the faculty and 
staff as well as San Jose State University students and alumni. I wish 
them continued success, and I ask my colleagues to support this 
resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. BISHOP of New York. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to Ms. Zoe 
Lofgren of California.
  Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California. Mr. Speaker, I join in the recognition 
of San Jose State on its 150th anniversary. I am proud that San Jose 
State is located in the 16th Congressional District which I represent 
in San Jose, California, as has been mentioned. It is the Silicon 
Valley university. More than 300,000 graduates of San Jose State have 
gone into Silicon Valley, and it is the largest source of engineering 
talent, of computer science and business graduates, for Silicon Valley.
  San Jose State is ranked eighth among the top ten colleges and 
universities offering bachelor's and master's degrees in the western 
region, with its 134 programs. It is also known for its innovative 
partnerships, including a first-ever, I think in the country, 
partnership with the City of San Jose to have a joint university-city 
public library, a joint venture with the National Hispanic University 
for joint degrees, and most recently a joint venture with a 
historically black college in Mississippi for joint issuance of Ph.D.'s 
in engineering.
  I am proud to represent San Jose State. We had to decide who would 
introduce this resolution. And although the university is in the 16th 
District, the author, my friend, Congressman Mike Honda, is an alumni 
of the university, so we deferred to him to take the lead on this 
introduction. I want to thank him for doing so. This is an important 
event for those of us in Silicon Valley, and especially the 16th 
District.

                              {time}  1815

  Mr. BISHOP of New York. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the 
gentleman from California (Mr. Honda).
  Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 365, 
recognizing the 150th anniversary of my alma mater, San Jose State 
University in California.
  I'd like to thank Representatives Lofgren, Eshoo, Farr, Chairman 
Miller, and Ranking Member McKeon of the Education and Labor Committee, 
and additional cosponsors of H.R. 365, for the support of this 
legislation.
  For a century and a half, San Jose State has provided affordable 
access to quality education. Founded in 1857, it is the oldest public 
institution of higher education on the west coast. From its beginnings 
as a normal school to train teachers for the developing frontier, the 
campus has matured into a comprehensive university, offering bachelor's 
and master's degrees in 134 programs, including 69 bachelor's degrees 
with 81 concentrations, and 65 master's degrees with 29 concentrations.
  In the western region, San Jose State is ranked among the top 10 
colleges and universities offering bachelors and masters degrees. San 
Jose State is part of the California State University System, the 
Nation's largest public university system.
  Noteworthy in this sesquicentennial year of celebration is the fact 
San Jose State is the largest public 4-year university in Silicon 
Valley with over 32,000 students and 4,000 faculty and staff members. 
The university awards more than 4,200 bachelors degrees and 2,400 
masters degrees each academic year. Since its founding, the university 
has sent nearly 300,000 graduates into the workforce. These graduates 
continue to make significant contributions to the region's rich economy 
and culture.
  The history of San Jose State is very unique. The university traces 
its origins to Minns Evening Normal School, established in San 
Francisco in 1857 by George W. Minns and other dedicated educational 
leaders to address the shortage of qualified teachers for the new State 
of California. In 1862, the school became California State Normal 
School by action of the State legislature. Although initial enrollments 
were low, demand for teacher training shot up when California 
instituted free public education for every child, paid for with 
property taxes.
  The years of growth and expansion at the new location in San Jose 
State downtown, the first alumni association was formed in 1873. The 
determination of California leaders to support teacher training was 
evident when a fire destroyed the normal school building in 1880. In 
1921, the control of the school passed from its board of trustees to 
the State Department of Education.
  As the 20th century came to a close, San Jose State University has 
developed into a thriving comprehensive university known for ``powering 
Silicon Valley.''
  Mr. Speaker, I just want to close by recognizing the current 
president, Don W. Kassing, for all the work he is doing to make San 
Jose State University one of the great, great higher education 
institutions in the United States, melding itself with the National 
Hispanic University and also providing students and intellectual power 
to NASA Ames and the other Silicon Valley enterprises in Silicon 
Valley.
  San Jose State ranks among the nation's top universities for its 
academics and ethnic diversity. The university has ranked 10th in the 
nation for the total number of minority graduates (African Americans, 
Asian Americans, Native Americans and Hispanics with bachelor's 
degrees) across all disciplines. San Jose State University has 
conferred bachelor's degrees in business management and the health 
professions to more Asian Americans than any other college or 
university in the nation.
  Noteworthy also is the fact that San Jose State is Silicon Valley's 
largest university and fourth largest public-sector employer. Its 154-
acre campus is in downtown San Jose, the nation's 10th largest city and 
home to many leading technology companies, including Adobe, Cisco 
Systems, and E-Bay.
  The history of San Jose State is very unique. The university traces 
its origins to Minns' Evening Normal School, established in San 
Francisco in 1857 by George W. Minns and other dedicated educational 
leaders, to address the shortage of qualified teachers for the new 
state of California. In 1862, the school became the California State 
Normal School by action of the state legislature. Although initial 
enrollments were low, demand for teacher training shot up when 
California instituted free public education for every child, paid for 
with property taxes.
  An earthquake in 1868 and the challenges of San Francisco's rapid 
growth spurred school leaders to consider a more stable location for 
the new school. Several cities vied for the honor; the nod went to the 
town of San Jose, then a thriving community of 9,089. State 
Superintendent O.P. Fitzgerald characterized San Jose as meeting every 
requirement: ``The climate is unsurpassed, the place is large enough to 
furnish all needed facilities . . . the people are intelligent, 
hospitable and moral.'' In 1870, the trustees selected a tract of land 
near local transit called Washington Square from among several sites 
offered by the city. School leaders moved the college and its 150 
students to this 27-acre campus in 1871.
  Years of growth and expansion at the new location followed; the 
school added more students, faculty, coursework and facilities. The 
first alumni association was formed in 1873. The determination of 
California leaders to support teacher training was evident when a fire 
destroyed the normal school building in 1880. The legislature promptly 
provided $150,000 to rebuild. By 1887, the San Jose State Normal School 
had an enrollment of 800, highest in the nation except for New York 
City and Philadelphia.
  In 1921, control of the school passed from its board of trustees to 
the State Department of Education and it became known as San Jose State 
Teachers College. Under the leadership of Thomas W. MacQuarrie, who was

[[Page H13818]]

named president in 1927, there was significant growth and expansion of 
the curriculum, including the first program for college-trained police 
officers in the nation.
  In 1932, the San Jose State College Corporation was formed, the 
forerunner of today's San Jose State University Research Foundation, 
which for the past 75 years has partnered with the University to manage 
externally funded research and education-related activities that are so 
integral to the University's mission. The campus gained university 
status and became part of the California State University system in the 
1970s. In 1990, student enrollment topped 30,000 and by 1993, the 
campus reached cultural pluralism, with no ethnic majority.
  As the 20th century came to a close, San Jose State University had 
developed into a thriving comprehensive university known for ``powering 
Silicon Valley'' with the high numbers of graduates who went to work 
there. Fruitful partnerships with area firms also made possible new 
programs and laboratories, as well as ALL internships, summer research 
and scholarships. A unique partnership with the city of San Jose 
resulted in the construction and opening of the nation's first joint 
city-university library.
  In 2006, President Don W. Kassing accepted the largest single private 
donation to the university in its history, a $10 million gift from 
alumni Sally and Donald Lucas to create a new graduate school of 
business. One year later, during this sesquicentennial year, $15 
million was given by alumnus Charles W. Davidson for the SJSU's College 
of Engineering, which ties for the largest single private donation in 
California State University history. Building upon its tradition as a 
teacher's college, the university also received a donation of $10 
million from alumna Connie L. Lurie for the College of Education.
  Having receiving both my Undergraduate and Graduate degrees from San 
Jose State University I personally attest to the University's academic 
rigor and integrity. San Jose State University continues to be a 
driving force in educating our future leaders and in developing 
collaborative partnerships with educational institutions, industries, 
and communities to enhance the quality of education, research, 
development, and community service for the State of California.
  I also want to recognize the current president, Don W. Kassing, for 
all he is doing to make San Jose State University one of the great, 
great higher education institutions in the United States, and we all 
look forward to the next 150 years.
  Mr. BISHOP of New York. We have no additional speakers.
  Mr. KUHL of New York. I have no additional speakers on this side. I 
yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. BISHOP of New York. I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from New York (Mr. Bishop) that the House suspend the rules 
and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 365, as amended.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the 
rules were suspended and the resolution, as amended, was agreed to.
  The title was amended so as to read: ``Resolution honoring San Jose 
State University for its 150 years of commitment to public higher 
education.''.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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