[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 40 (Monday, March 10, 2008)]
[House]
[Pages H1425-H1427]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
CONGRATULATING IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY FOR 150 YEARS OF LEADERSHIP AND
SERVICE
Mr. LOEBSACK. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to
the resolution (H. Res. 924) congratulating Iowa State University of
Science and Technology for 150 years of leadership and service to the
United States and the world as Iowa's land-grant university, as
amended.
The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
The text of the resolution is as follows:
H. Res. 924
Whereas Iowa State University of Science and Technology was
established by the Iowa General Assembly on March 22, 1858,
as the Iowa Agricultural College and Model Farm in response
to the State of Iowa's desire to provide higher education
opportunities to farm families and working classes in Iowa,
predating the passage of the Federal Morrill Act by 4 years;
Whereas on September 11, 1862, Iowa became the first State
in the United States to accept the terms and conditions of
the Morrill Act creating the land-grant system of colleges
and universities;
Whereas the Iowa Agricultural College and Model Farm, known
today as Iowa State University of Science and Technology,
received Iowa's land-grant charter on March 29, 1864, making
it one of the first land-grant institutions in the United
States;
Whereas Iowa State University was a pioneer in all 3 parts
of the land-grant mission, including--
(1) allowing access to all, regardless of race, gender, or
social class;
(2) practical research; and
(3) outreach;
Whereas Iowa State University fulfilled the 3 parts of the
land-grant mission by--
(1) creating the first land-grant institution to be
coeducational from its opening, with 16 women in its first
class; future suffragist Carrie Chapman Catt was an 1880
graduate; and George Washington Carver was the first African-
American student, earning a bachelor's degree in 1894 and a
master's degree in 1896, and was also the institution's first
African-American faculty member;
(2) establishing the United States' first Engineering
Experiment Station and domestic economy experimental kitchen,
and one of the first agriculture experiment stations; and
(3) organizing the Farmers Institutes in the winter of
1869, by Iowa State President Adonijah Welch, and organizing
the nation's first county Extension Service in 1903 in Sioux
County in northwest Iowa by Professor Perry Holden;
Whereas some of the most important technological
advancements of the modern world were the result of research
at Iowa State, including--
(1) development of hybrid seed corn in the 1920s;
(2) pioneering work on soybean oil extraction and producing
ethanol from corn and other plant materials by Professor
Orland Sweeney in the 1930s;
(3) invention of the electronic digital computer in the
late 1930s by Professor John Atanasoff and graduate student
Clifford Berry, whose Atanasoff-Berry Computer was the first
to incorporate the 7 basic principles of modern computing;
(4) laying the foundation for the modern plastics industry
with polyethylene research by Professor Henry Gilman;
(5) development of the process still used today to refine
pure rare-earth materials, including reactor-grade uranium,
by Professor Frank Spedding and Harley Wilhelm, as a result
of Iowa State's key role in the Manhattan Project in WWII;
(6) development of modern livestock animal genetics by
Professor Jay Lush; and
(7) first field-testing of a genetically altered plant
(tobacco) in 1987 and genetically altered tree (poplar) in
1989 by Professor Robert Thornburg;
Whereas Iowa State hired one of the first permanent campus
artists-in-residence, with sculptor Christian Petersen
holding that position from 1934 to 1955 and providing
hundreds of sculptures and other art objects to the
university, whose Art on Campus collection today includes
more than 600 major public works of art;
Whereas Iowa State has had a technology transfer office
since 1935, longer than all but one other university in the
United States, and is acknowledged today as a leader in
putting technology to work, being cited as a ``model of
economic development'' and ``licensing powerhouse'' in a 2007
study commissioned by the National Science Foundation;
Whereas Iowa State University is today spearheading new
advances in science and technology, including new materials,
information sciences, green architecture, biological
research, and the development of biorenewable fuels and other
resources to support the bioeconomy and the Nation's
independence from nonrenewable petroleum resources; and
Whereas more than 257,000 degrees have been awarded by Iowa
State, and its graduates include heads of State, leaders of
industry, great humanitarians, and gifted scientists, whose
work has improved the quality of life for people worldwide:
Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the United States House of Representatives
congratulates Iowa State University of Science and Technology
for 150 years of outstanding service to the State of Iowa,
the United States, and the world in fulfilling its mission as
a land-grant university; and thanks the State of Iowa for its
visionary leadership in the beginning of the land-grant
movement in the United States of America.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
Iowa (Mr. Loebsack) and the gentleman from New York (Mr. Kuhl) each
will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Iowa.
General Leave
Mr. LOEBSACK. Madam Speaker, I request 5 legislative days during
which Members may insert material relevant to House Resolution 924 into
the Record.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from Iowa?
There was no objection.
Mr. LOEBSACK. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
(Mr. LOEBSACK asked and was given permission to revise and extend his
remarks.)
Mr. LOEBSACK. Madam Speaker, I am proud to speak today in strong
support of House Resolution 924, congratulating Iowa State University
of Science and Technology for 150 years of leadership and service to
the United States and the world as Iowa's land-grant university.
Iowa State University is not in the Second District, but it is a very
important place to me. The university serves thousands of students
across Iowa, helping them prepare for the workforce and starting them
on the path to success. Iowa State is my alma mater. I received a
first-rate education at the university; and although I now represent
the University of Iowa Hawkeyes, I am proud to be a Cyclone.
Iowa State has many claims to fame. It was the first land-grant
institution to be coeducational from its opening, with 16 women in its
first class.
Future suffragette Carrie Chapman Catt was an 1880 graduate. George
Washington Carver was the first African American student, earning a
bachelor's degree in 1894 and a master's degree in 1896 and was also
the institution's first African American faculty member.
Iowa State is also known for its cutting-edge agricultural research.
Agriculture is a driving force in our State's economy, and the work the
university does helps us remain competitive and strong. I am proud to
say that most undergraduate and graduate students enrolled at Iowa
State come from Iowa, and a large proportion of these students remain
in Iowa.
In fact, about 71 percent of College of Agriculture and Life Science
graduates stay in Iowa for their first jobs. Young men and women
graduate and gain employment on farms and agricultural services, in
forestry, in fishing, and much more.
I congratulate Iowa State University for 150 years of excellence, and
I look forward to another 150 years of the same.
Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. KUHL of New York. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I
may consume.
Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 924,
congratulating Iowa State University of Science and Technology for 150
years of leadership and service to the United States and the world as
Iowa's land-grant university.
Iowa Agriculture College and Model Farm, now Iowa State University,
was officially established on March 22, 1858. As a land-grant
institution, Iowa agriculture college focused on ideals that higher
education should be accessible to all and that the university should
teach liberal and practical subjects. These ideas are integral to the
land-grant university policy.
Even before Abraham Lincoln signed a law that gave birth to the land-
grant universities, Iowa State was actively bringing knowledge to the
people of
[[Page H1426]]
Iowa through farmers' short courses and farm demonstrations. The first
official class, consisting of 24 men and two women, entered at Ames in
1869 and graduated in 1872.
Iowa State then was a leader and is now a leader in agriculture,
engineering, extension, home economics, and created the Nation's first
State veterinary medicine school in 1879. In 1959, the college was
officially renamed Iowa State University of Science and Technology. The
focus on technology has led to many research patents and inventions,
including the first binary computer, the round hay baler, and many,
many more.
Today Iowa State University has approximately 27,000 students, some
change from over 100 years ago. With world-class programs in
agriculture, technology, science and art, the ``U.S. News & World
Report'' ranks Iowa State among the top 50 public national
universities. Half of Iowa State University freshmen get an early boost
in academic success by participating in Iowa State's highly touted
Learning Communities Program. Additionally, Iowa State University is
ranked 18th in the Nation for its study or work abroad programs.
Iowa State University is a very special place that is full of
history; but what truly makes it unique is a rare combination of campus
beauty, the opportunity to be part of the land-grant experiment, and to
create a progressive and inventive spirit that they call the Cyclone
Experience.
I extend my congratulations along with all my colleagues to the
university president, Gregory Geoffroy, all of Iowa State University's
faculty, its staff, certainly, its students and alumni, and wish them
continued success.
Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues support this resolution, and
I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. LOEBSACK. First I want to thank the gentleman from New York for
his wonderful words for Iowa State University.
Madam Speaker, I yield as much time as he may consume to my friend
and mentor, the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. Boswell).
Mr. BOSWELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of House
Resolution 924, celebrating the 150th anniversary of Iowa State
University.
I want to thank my dear friend, Congressman Loebsack, for his
leadership and yielding the time, and I also want to thank Congressman
Braley and Congressman Latham for their leadership on this resolution.
Iowa State University has made noteworthy contributions to the State
of Iowa, our Nation and the world since being established in 1958. Iowa
State was the first co-ed land-grant institution providing
opportunities for students regardless of gender, race, or social class.
Iowa State is home to critical agriculture research, from the
development of the hybrid seed corn in the 1920s to important work on
the development of ethanol and to the development of modern livestock
animal genetics and many more.
Iowa State continues to lead the Nation in research into biorenewable
fuels and modern agriculture. In 2005 Iowa State's students finished
third in the North American Solar Challenge, the world's longest solar
car race. Iowa State has excelled in a number of other areas, from
development of the electronic digital computer in the 1930s to research
into refining reactor-grade uranium.
The campus of Iowa State is also noteworthy. With over 600 public
works of art, Iowa State was rated one of the 25 most beautiful
campuses in ``The Campus as a Work of Art.'' Iowa State has graduated a
number of prominent contributors to our Nation, including, as
mentioned, George Washington Carver, who went on to serve as the
school's first African American faculty member, as well as suffragette
Carrie Chapman Catt, who graduated in 1880.
In fact, more than half my colleagues in the current Iowa delegation
attended Iowa State, including Mr. Loebsack, who is the floor manager
of the bill, Bruce Braley, Tom Latham, and Senator Tom Harkin.
I look forward to continuing to work with the great institution that
is Iowa State University and I am confident that Iowa State will
continue to have great influence in Iowa and across our Nation. Again,
congratulations to Iowa State University for 150 remarkable years.
Madam Speaker, I urge support of this resolution.
Mr. KING of Iowa. Madam Speaker, Iowa State University is one of the
most respected land-grant universities in the Nation. Created by the
Iowa General Assembly in 1858, the Iowa Agricultural College and Model
Farm was designated the first land-grant college when Iowa became the
first state to accept the terms of the Federal Morrill Act in 1864.
The act allowed Iowa to sell Federal land to finance a new college
open to all, regardless of wealth, race or sex; offering a practical
education in engineering, agriculture, and military science as well as
classical studies; and sharing research knowledge with all Iowans. Iowa
State University officially opened in 1869 and was the first
coeducational land-grant school. Today, we are proudly celebrating the
150th anniversary of Iowa State University.
Iowa State University has been a leader in science in technology
throughout its long history. The world's first electronic digital
computer was developed at Iowa State by math and physics professor John
V. Atanasoff and graduate student Clifford Berry, in the late 1930s.
Their invention, the ABC computer, has been called the most important
technological innovation of the 20th century.
The university is a leader in virtual reality research and its most
advanced virtual reality theater, the C6, is the Nation's first six-
sided theater that totally immerses the user in images and sound.
Iowa State is one of the top three U.S. universities in the
development of patentable biotechnology. Last February, the Iowa Board
of Regents approved a $32 million budget and conceptual design for a
new biorenewables research laboratory at Iowa State University. The
laboratory is the first piece of a new biorenewables complex planned
for the university.
Biorenewables research is the future of ISU and the State of Iowa. I
congratulate Iowa State University on 150 years, and wish them many
more. Go Cyclones.
Mr. BRALEY of Iowa. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate my
almamater, Iowa State University, for 150 years of service to Iowa and
the Nation. Iowa State University was founded on March 22, 1858, as the
Iowa Agricultural College and Model Farm. The college was one of the
first land grant institutions in the country and was founded in
response to the state of Iowa's strong desire to provide higher
education opportunities to farm families and the working class in Iowa.
I'm proud to say that my alma mater has taken an active role in
promoting social justice and racial equality throughout its 150 year
history. Iowa State University was the first coeducational land grant
university graduating 16 women in its first graduating class. George
Washington Carver was the first African American to graduate from the
college in 1880 and later served as a faculty member at Iowa State.
Women suffragist Carrie Chapman Catt also graduated from Iowa State in
1880. Finally, Iowa State is home to the only division one football
stadium to be named for an African American. Jack Trice stadium is
named for Iowa State football player Jack Trice. Trice died due to
injuries suffered during an Iowa State football game in 1923.
Some of the biggest technological advancements in the world of
science were made at Iowa State University. In the late 1930's
Professor John Atanasoff and graduate student Clifford Berry invented
the first electronic digital computer at Iowa State. In the 1920's
hybrid seed corn was developed at Iowa State and in the 1930's
Professor Orland Sweeny conducted pioneer work on ethanol production
from corn. Finally, the school established the Nation's first
engineering experiment station and domestic economy experimental
kitchen, and one of the first agricultural experiment stations.
I'm proud to call Iowa State my alma mater and congratulate them for
150 years of academic excellence. I urge my colleagues to join with me
in congratulating the Iowa Sate community for all they have done and
will continue to do for Iowa and the nation
Mr. KUHL of New York. Madam Speaker, I have no further requests for
time, and I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. LOEBSACK. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentleman from Iowa (Mr. Loebsack) that the House suspend the rules and
agree to the resolution, H. Res. 924, as amended.
The question was taken.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
Mr. KUHL of New York. Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and
nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the
[[Page H1427]]
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be
postponed.
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