[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 15 (Tuesday, February 2, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E118]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING SPRINGFIELD COLLEGE ON THE OCCASION OF ITS 125TH ANNIVERSARY

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                          HON. RICHARD E. NEAL

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 2, 2010

  Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, it is my great pleasure to rise today to 
honor Springfield College, celebrating its 125th anniversary this year, 
and known worldwide as the Birthplace of Basketball.
  Springfield College was founded in 1885 in Springfield, 
Massachusetts, as the School for Christian Workers, an independent 
institution that quickly emerged as a leading educator of YMCA 
professionals. Today, it offers a comprehensive array of undergraduate 
and graduate offerings and has an international reputation for 
educating leaders in the health sciences, human and social services, 
sport management and movement studies, education, business, and the 
arts and sciences.
  Since its beginning, Springfield College has been guided by a 
philosophy called Humanics--education of the whole person, in spirit, 
mind, and body, for leadership in service to humanity.
  Springfield College faculty members and alumni have changed the 
course of history in sports, physical education, and fitness. They 
invented not only basketball, but also volleyball, and were 
instrumental in founding physical education movements in countries 
around the globe. They have been legendary coaches, and have been in 
the vanguard of advancing intercollegiate sports for women. They have 
made indelible marks on the modern Olympics--more than 120 Springfield 
Collegians have participated as coaches, athletes, trainers, sport 
psychologists, administrators, and more.
  In Greater Springfield, Massachusetts, Springfield College is deeply 
committed to its community, and has received national recognition for 
exemplary community engagement. It has been named to the President's 
Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll and the Saviors of Our 
Cities list of the top 25 ``best neighbor'' urban colleges in the 
United States. It has received multiple awards from the National 
Association of Division III Athletic Administrators and Jostens, and 
has earned the Carnegie Foundation's Community Engagement 
Classification.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating 
Springfield College on 125 years of excellence and leadership through 
service, and for being an institutional model of its Humanics 
philosophy.

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