[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 26 (Friday, February 15, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E208]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         RECOGNIZING DR. MARTINEZ OF UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOE COURTNEY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 15, 2008

  Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, dreams of higher education have become 
increasingly elusive for thousands of well-qualified students from low-
income and disadvantaged backgrounds. On February 7, 2008, the House 
passed the College Opportunity and Affordability Act, legislation that 
will move our Nation one step closer to expanding higher education 
opportunities for all. I rise today to celebrate this achievement and 
recognize the role that Dr. Maria Martinez, the University of 
Connecticut's director of the Center for Academic Programs, has served 
in delivering higher education outreach services to Connecticut's most 
vulnerable communities.
  For the past four decades, TRIO programs, including Talent Search, 
Upward Bound, and Student Support Services, have facilitated access to 
higher education opportunities for disadvantaged students in 
Connecticut and across the Nation. Dr. Martinez is charged with 
implementing TRIO and similar programs at the University of 
Connecticut. On March 22, 2007, in light of pending reauthorization of 
these programs under the College Opportunity and Affordability Act, Dr. 
Maria D. Martinez testified before the House Committee on Education and 
Labor.
  Perhaps the most poignant of her testimonials included a reference to 
one of UConn's TRIO alumni, Dr. Franklin Chang-Diaz. She stated that 
Franklin struggled with English in high school and was recruited into 
UConn's Student Support Services program. Upon completing his 
undergraduate degree, Franklin earned a doctorate in plasma physics at 
MIT, was recruited by NASA, and became America's first Hispanic 
astronaut. He currently holds the world record for most space missions 
flown.
  The College Opportunity and Affordability Act strengthens these 
programs and brings hope to thousands of students just like Franklin. 
In Dr. Chang-Diaz's words, ``TRIO is one of the ways this country 
really becomes the land of opportunity.''
  Madam Speaker, education systems form the pillars for potential 
prosperity and health of any society. Our Nation must remain vigilant 
of these systems and continue to improve them until they reflect our 
highest aspirations. Continuing to support programs like TRIO is 
necessary to ensure these worthy objectives. I ask my colleagues to 
join with me and my constituents in recognizing the importance of TRIO 
programs and Dr. Martinez's role in delivering these services to 
underprivileged students in Connecticut.

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