[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 176 (Wednesday, November 19, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2260-E2261]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 A TRIBUTE TO THE HONORABLE JACK SCOTT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ADAM B. SCHIFF

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 19, 2008

  Mr. SCHIFF. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend the Honorable Jack 
Scott, State Senator from California's 21st District.
  Jack Scott was born and raised in Sweetwater, Texas. An advocate of 
higher education, he received a bachelor's degree from Abilene 
Christian College, a master of divinity from Yale University, and a 
Ph.D. in American history from Claremont Graduate University.
  Senator Scott began his career as a professor and administrator at 
Pepperdine University in 1962. He then moved on to Orange Coast 
College, and in 1978, he became President of Cypress College. In 1987, 
he took over the position as President of Pasadena City College. As 
President, he was responsible for the development of its library, 
Community Education Center, Child Development Center, physical 
education complex, and Sculpture Garden. Despite declines in state 
funding, the college had more than $6 million in reserve funds when 
Scott retired from the presidency in 1995.
  In 1996, Jack was elected to the California State Assembly where he 
served until 2000, when he was elected to the State Senate. During his 
eight-year tenure in the State Senate, he chaired the Senate Committee 
on Education and the Joint Committee on the Arts. Throughout his term, 
he fought to increase the

[[Page E2261]]

amount and quality of California teachers, improve the transfer process 
for community college students, and develop a new funding system for 
California community colleges.
  Senator Scott's legislative efforts have earned him recognition as 
Legislator of the Year from the California Federation of Teachers, 
Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, Association of 
California Community College Administrators, Association of California 
School Boards, California State University, and the Child Development 
Policy Institute. He has an honorary doctorate from Pepperdine 
University and has been named the Alumnus of the Year at both Claremont 
Graduate University and Abilene Christian University. On October 28, he 
received Pasadena City College Foundation's Building the Spirit of a 
Vibrant Community Award.
  Senator Scott's extensive community involvement includes the 
Coalition for a Non-Violent City, Pacific Oaks College's Board of 
Trustees, the Board of Regents at Pepperdine University and the 
Association of California Community College Administrators. Jack and 
his wife, Lacreta, have 10 grandchildren and four surviving children, 
Sharon Mitchell, Shelia Head, Amy Schones, and Greg Scott; their fifth 
child, Adam, died in 1993.
  In 2009, Senator Scott will begin his position as Chancellor of 
California's community colleges.
  It is my great pleasure to recognize the extraordinary achievements 
of Senator Jack Scott and I ask all Members of Congress to join me in 
thanking him for his service.

                          ____________________