[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 102 (Thursday, June 19, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1279]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E1279]]
 STATEMENT CONGRATULATING FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY AND FLORIDA 
ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY ON BEING RANKED AMONG THE TOP 100 COLLEGES AWARDING 
                          DEGREES TO HISPANICS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 19, 2008

  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate 
two exemplary South Florida institutions of higher learning: Florida 
International University (FIU) and Florida Atlantic University (FAU). 
These universities were recently ranked by Hispanic Outlook Magazine as 
1st and 28th, respectively, among the top 100 colleges awarding degrees 
to Hispanics in the United States.
  Both institutions have built a rich tradition of ensuring an 
exceptional educational experience to quality students of all 
backgrounds. FAU and FIU are dedicated to imparting knowledge through 
excellent teaching, groundbreaking research, and a commitment to public 
service.
  In today's global society, it is imperative that we recognize the 
importance of scholastic achievement without forgetting how vital it is 
that the learning experience extend beyond the classroom. FIU and FAU 
are committed to ensuring that their students are well-rounded, 
socially conscious, and constantly exposed to various cultural and 
socioeconomic backgrounds. The graduates of these universities serve as 
trailblazers in Florida's continuous endeavor to provide educational 
opportunities that will improve the social and economic disparities 
that Florida's minority communities face.
  As one example, FIU will open South Florida's only public medical 
school in August 2009. The new school will serve as the cornerstone of 
a broader, university-wide Health Science Center. Through this effort, 
the University aims to expand healthcare access to traditionally 
underserved populations and to train physicians who are sensitive to 
South Florida's unique cultural diversity.
  FAU is also impacting the South Florida community by encouraging 
economic development in urban core areas through its Sustainable 
Community Planning curriculum. This curriculum prepares students who 
aspire to become practicing planners, public administrators, civic 
leaders, and neighborhood activists. Programs are geared towards 
community revitalization which will ultimately affect how neighboring 
cities cope with increasing challenges associated with growth and 
change.
  I commend FAU and FIU for serving as role models to colleges and 
universities throughout our Nation. They are exemplary examples of two 
schools which continue to uphold a commitment to cultural diversity, 
public service, and academic excellence. Their effectiveness is truly 
demonstrated through every student who earns a degree, every researcher 
who makes a discovery, and every community that benefits from the 
efforts and accomplishments of these two noteworthy institutions. I am 
proud to congratulate FAU and FlU for this noteworthy achievement and 
the indelible impact they have had on both our local and national 
landscapes.

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