[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 76 (Monday, May 18, 2009)]
[House]
[Pages H5681-H5682]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   CONGRATULATING AVERETT UNIVERSITY

  Mr. TONKO. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to 
the resolution (H. Res. 347) congratulating Averett University in 
Danville, Virginia, for 150 years of service and leadership to the 
United States.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                              H. Res. 347

       Whereas in 1859, Union Female College, the forerunner of 
     Averett University was established to provide educational 
     opportunities for young women who did not have many 
     educational opportunities;
       Whereas the name Averett College was officially adopted to 
     honor the institution's early founders;
       Whereas in 1971, Averett became a fully accredited, 
     coeducational, 4-year institution of higher education;
       Whereas in 1980, Averett awarded its first master's 
     degrees;
       Whereas in 1988, Averett became the first institution of 
     higher education in Virginia to offer an innovative, 
     accelerated program for working adults who wished to earn 
     advanced degrees;
       Whereas in 2001, Averett College officially became known as 
     Averett University in recognition of its growth;
       Whereas Averett University enrolls more than 2,450 students 
     from 25 states and 12 countries and employs more than 350 
     people statewide;
       Whereas Averett University offers 32 undergraduate majors 
     and master's degree programs in business and education;
       Whereas Averett University confers nearly 800 degrees each 
     year;
       Whereas Averett University serves students on its main 
     campus in Danville, Virginia, and at 20 other locations 
     around the Commonwealth;
       Whereas Averett University has 13 NCAA III athletic teams 
     that have won various championships, including a national 
     championship in golf; and
       Whereas Averett University has been led by 23 presidents 
     and is currently led by Dr. Tiffany McKillip Franks: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved, That Congress congratulates Averett University in 
     Danville, Virginia, for 150 years of service and leadership 
     to the United States.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from New 
York (Mr. Tonko) and the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Guthrie) each 
will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New York.


                             General Leave

  Mr. TONKO. Madam Speaker, I request 5 legislative days during which 
Members may revise and extend and insert extraneous material on House 
Resolution 347 into the Record.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from New York?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. TONKO. Thank you. I yield myself as much time as I may consume.
  Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 347, which 
celebrates Averett University's 150 years of service and leadership to 
the Commonwealth of Virginia and to our United States.
  Originally founded in 1859 as an educational institution for women, 
Union Female College grew to what is now known as Averett University. 
For the past 150 years, Averett University has remained steadfast in 
its commitment to its students and to its community. With a mission of 
preparing students for a lifetime of success, Averett University has a 
renowned liberal arts curriculum that provides individuals with the 
skills necessary to succeed on campus and beyond.

                              {time}  1445

  Demonstrating a spirit of innovation that dates back to 1859, Averett 
University was one of the first universities in Virginia to offer a 
business degree program for working adults. Because of its reputation, 
Averett University places nearly 100 percent of its education program 
graduates in employment positions each year. In fact, numerous students 
have job offers prior to even completing their student teaching. With 
faculty members that are successful entrepreneurs, artists, and 
scientists, Averett University students are prepared to succeed inside 
and outside the classroom.
  Since its inception, Averett University students have been dedicated 
to the surrounding community. This commitment continues to this day 
with students now participating in service organizations like Big 
Brothers Big Sisters, Habitat for Humanity, and the Boys and Girls 
Club. With more than 20,800 alumni in 50 States and 38 countries, this 
commitment now spreads the globe.
  As the university celebrates 150 years of achievement, may it renew 
its commitment and passion to service, to its students, and its 
community. Madam Speaker, I again congratulate Averett University. And 
I thank Congressman Perriello for bringing this resolution forward. I 
urge my colleagues to support the resolution.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. GUTHRIE. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 347, 
congratulating Averett University in Danville, Virginia, for 150 years 
of service and leadership to the United States.
  Founded in 1859, Averett University has a long history of preparing 
women and men to be leaders in their careers and in their communities. 
Averett began as a school for young women at a time when educating 
women was not a popular idea. That spirit of innovation continues today 
as they are among the first in Virginia to create an accelerated 
program for working adults and are among the select few in the Nation 
to offer bachelor's degrees in both aeronautics and equestrian studies.
  Averett University's educational philosophy is simple: Prepare our 
students for a lifetime of success. At Averett, students receive the 
skills and knowledge to get that first job or enter graduate school, 
and they develop the habits of the mind that will allow them to adapt 
to a constantly changing, globally connected world. The university 
combines the liberal arts with professional education, and many experts 
agree that regardless of one's job, a person must be able to analyze 
information, think critically, communicate effectively, work in teams, 
and adapt to new conditions--the very skills provided by a liberal arts 
education. Averett provides a powerful experience that will energize an 
individual for a lifetime career and for productive citizenship.
  I extend my congratulations to Averett University president, Dr. 
Tiffany McKillip Franks, the faculty and staff, the students, and 
alumni. I wish all involved continued success and ask my colleagues to 
support this resolution.
  I yield back my time.
  Mr. TONKO. Madam Speaker, the history of Averett University is well 
documented and has been of service to so many students who are 
achieving their professional goals. They have inspired them in the 
classroom, and they have encouraged a community responsiveness within 
its student body that continues as a tradition.

[[Page H5682]]

  With all of that being said, I congratulate Congressman Perriello for 
the resolution and encourage my colleagues to support the resolution.
  I yield back my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from New York (Mr. Tonko) that the House suspend the rules 
and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 347.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the 
rules were suspended and the resolution was agreed to.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

                          ____________________