[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 30 (Friday, February 13, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E284-E285]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING EASTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY AS A RECIPIENT OF THE 2008 
                  COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT CLASSIFICATION

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN D. DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 13, 2009

  Mr. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Eastern Michigan 
University for being selected by the Carnegie Foundation for the 
Advancement of Teaching to receive its 2008 Community Engagement 
Classification.
  The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, founded by 
Andrew Carnegie in 1905, is a highly regarded, independent higher 
education policy and research center. Of the 217 institutions who 
declared an

[[Page E285]]

interest in applying for the classification, Eastern Michigan 
University was one of the select few institutions to receive this high 
distinction.
  As an institution receiving this Carnegie classification, EMU is 
recognized as a national model for community engaged campuses. Eastern 
Michigan University has always promoted and supported involvement in 
the community and this is evident in their mission, as they seek to 
``extend our commitment beyond our campus boundaries to the wider 
community through service initiatives and partnerships of mutual 
interest addressing local, regional, national, and international 
opportunities and challenges.''
  Eastern Michigan University and its students reach out a helping hand 
to the community in so many different ways, from fundraising for 
Habitat for Humanity, Relay for Life, and St. Jude's Hospital to the 
students' partnerships with Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels, S.O.S. community 
services, and Upward Bound. Even with all their academic commitments, 
students at EMU still managed to provide over 38,000 volunteer hours in 
the community through VISION and student organizations. This is a 
testament to the great students and community outreach programs at 
Eastern Michigan University.
  Madam Speaker, the Carnegie Foundation of Advancement of Teaching has 
bestowed its 2008 Community Engagement Classification upon Eastern 
Michigan University because of its remarkable work to interact with, 
aid and improve its surrounding community. This is a tremendous honor 
and it speaks to the fine character and great dedication of the 
university's faculty, administration, and students. EMU truly serves as 
a model for community engagement between this nation's higher education 
institutes and their respective communities. I ask that you and all of 
my colleagues join me in congratulating EMU on this remarkable 
accomplishment.

                          ____________________