[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 61 (Thursday, April 17, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E643]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING THE LONE STAR COLLEGE SYSTEM UNIVERSITY CENTER ON ITS 10TH 
                              ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEVIN BRADY

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 17, 2008

  Mr. BRADY of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today very proud to honor 
and congratulate the Lone Star College System University Center in The 
Woodlands, Texas, on its 10th anniversary.
  The University Center broke ground in June of 1996 under the theme of 
``common ground for the common good.'' Partner universities, which 
include: Prairie View A&M University, Sam Houston State University, 
Texas A&M University, Texas Southern University, University of Houston 
and University of Houston-Downtown, began offering courses in September 
of 1997, and facilities were opened in January of the next year. Since 
that time, the University Center has indeed honored the vision of 
providing multi-level quality higher education instruction to a diverse 
population of citizens from north Houston, north Harris and Montgomery 
counties.
  Over the past decade, the Center has experienced phenomenal growth. 
Student enrollment and the number of courses offered has grown four-
fold. In 1997, the Center served 374 students in 65 classes. Today, 
over 2,300 students participate in 255 classes. Fifty-two thousand 
students have been served in ten years with no signs that growth will 
stop.
  This unique partnership between the six Texas universities and the 
five colleges of the Lone Star College System has created amazing 
educational opportunities for the students of the region. Through this 
partnership, students at the University Center can complete 
baccalaureate degrees, master's degrees and continuing professional 
studies in over 65 programs without having to drive long distances. 
Having such programs right in their own backyard is an opportunity that 
the enrollment numbers clearly tell us is just too good to pass up.
  The University Center is not only an asset to our community now, but 
the sky is the limit for its future impact. By offering convenient 
access to top quality instructors and innovative teaching, the 
opportunity for students to achieve their higher education goals in my 
district has never been so strong.
  I consistently hear from employers that University Center students 
take their outstanding educations and make a mark in the workplace. 
Many careers have been started or enhanced through this unique 
educational resource. As the University Center moves beyond its first 
decade, the best is truly yet to come.
  Madam Speaker, it is an honor to represent the University Center in 
the U.S. House of Representatives, and I urge you to join me in 
congratulating the Lone Star College System--University Center on this 
momentous occasion.

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