[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 65 (Wednesday, April 23, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E689]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        HONORING THE 15TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CREATION OF SEPCHE

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                            HON. JIM GERLACH

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 23, 2008

  Mr. GERLACH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge and celebrate 
the 15th anniversary of the creation of the Southeastern Pennsylvania 
Consortium for Higher Education (SEPCHE) of the greater Philadelphia 
area. Together, the institutions that make up SEPCHE enroll more than 
20,000 students and represent the third largest provider of higher 
education services in the Delaware Valley. Collectively, the consortium 
awards more master degrees in education than any other institution in 
the Commonwealth and is the largest provider of teaching credentials.
  Throughout the past 15 years, the eight colleges that comprise 
SEPCHE--Arcadia University, Cabrini College, Chestnut Hill College, 
Gwynedd-Mercy College, Holy Family University, Immaculata University, 
Neumann College and Rosemont College--have engaged in a collaborative 
approach to the challenges of higher education. Through a range of 
activities, services, technology and information, the consortium 
institutions have worked together to promote quality and efficiency of 
academic programming, student access, faculty development, 
institutional operations and community outreach.
  In addition to its work at the collegiate level, the collaborative 
efforts of SEPCHE have had many positive outcomes for the member 
schools and the surrounding communities. With its development of the 
Mathematics & Science Institute, which offers ongoing education and 
training to hundreds of K-12 teachers in the Philadelphia area, the 
institute has been a valuable resource in curriculum development for 
use in classrooms.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in thanking the 
Southeastern Pennsylvania Consortium for Higher Education for its 
exemplary service and commitment to its students and region's 
communities. May its continued excellence be an inspiration to us all.

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