[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 29 (Wednesday, March 3, 2010)]
[House]
[Pages H1081-H1084]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             COMMENDING CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY SYSTEM

  Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to 
the resolution (H. Res. 1117) commending and congratulating the 
California State University system on the occasion of its 50th 
anniversary.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                              H. Res. 1117

       Whereas the California State University system will be 
     celebrating its 50th anniversary during 2010 and 2011;
       Whereas the individual California State Colleges were 
     brought together as a system by the Donahoe Higher Education 
     Act of 1960 of the State of California;
       Whereas, in 1972, the system became the California State 
     University and Colleges, in 1982, the system became the 
     California State University (CSU), and today the 23 campuses 
     of the CSU include comprehensive and polytechnic universities 
     and, since July 1995, the California Maritime Academy, a 
     specialized campus;
       Whereas the system's oldest campus--San Jose State 
     University--was founded in 1857 and became the first 
     institution of public higher education in California, while 
     the system's newest campus--California State University, 
     Channel Islands--opened in the fall of 2002;
       Whereas today the CSU is the Nation's largest and most 
     diverse university system, with 23 campuses and 7 off-campus 
     centers, almost 433,000 students, and 44,000 faculty and 
     staff;
       Whereas the CSU draws its students from the top third of 
     California's high school graduates and is the State's primary 
     undergraduate teaching institution;
       Whereas each CSU campus--California State University 
     Bakersfield, California State University Channel Islands, 
     California State University Chico, California State 
     University Dominguez Hills, California State University East 
     Bay, California State University Fresno, California State 
     University Fullerton, Humboldt State University, California 
     State University Long Beach, California State University Los 
     Angeles, California Maritime Academy, California State 
     University Monterey Bay, California State University 
     Northridge, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, 
     California State University Sacramento, California State 
     University San Bernardino, San Diego State University, San 
     Francisco State University, San Jose State University, 
     California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, 
     California State University San Marcos, Sonoma State 
     University, California State University Stanislaus--has its 
     own identity, but all share the same mission--to provide 
     high-quality, affordable higher education to meet the 
     changing workforce needs of California;
       Whereas with 91,000 annual graduates, the CSU is 
     California's greatest producer of bachelor's degrees and 
     drives California's economy in information technology, life 
     sciences, agriculture, business, education, international 
     trade, public administration, hospitality, engineering, 
     entertainment, and multimedia industries;
       Whereas the CSU reaches out to California's growing, 
     underserved communities, providing more than half of all 
     undergraduate degrees granted to California's Latino, 
     African-American, and Native American students, and offering 
     affordable opportunities to pursue and attain a college 
     degree;
       Whereas the CSU is noted for pioneering outreach efforts, 
     including starting the Early Assessment Program (which 
     enables 11th graders to assess their college readiness in 
     English and math) and the Educational Opportunity Program (an 
     access and retention program that supports low-income, 
     educationally disadvantaged students, many of whom are first-
     generation college students), distributing millions of ``How 
     To Get to College Posters'' in multiple languages, hosting 
     Super Sunday events at churches throughout the State as part 
     of its African-American initiative, partnering with the 
     Parent Institute for Quality Education (PIQE), which helps 
     strengthen parent involvement in elementary and middle school 
     students' education, and actively engaging in the State's 
     Troops to College efforts on behalf of veterans;
       Whereas the CSU offers more than 1,800 bachelor's and 
     master's degree programs in some 357 subject areas, as well 
     as teaching credential programs and its own independent 
     education doctorate program;
       Whereas the CSU has awarded nearly 2,500,000 bachelor's, 
     master's and joint doctoral degrees since 1961;
       Whereas the CSU's renowned faculty members are well known 
     for their teaching skills as well as their significant 
     contributions to research, CSU staff and administrators 
     provide the vital infrastructure to fulfill the CSU mission, 
     and faculty and staff together have made the CSU a leader in 
     high-quality, accessible, student-focused higher education;
       Whereas CSU students participate in 32,000,000 hours of 
     community service annually at more than 3,560 community 
     sites, including tutoring children and adults in English as a 
     second language, working in hospitals and community health 
     clinics, teaching computer literacy, cleaning up rivers and 
     beaches, serving meals to the homeless, and building houses;
       Whereas the CSU returns $4.41 for every $1 the State 
     invests, the CSU sustains more than 200,000 jobs in the 
     State, and CSU-related expenditures create $13,600,000,000 in 
     economic activity;
       Whereas the CSU has more than 2,000,000 alumni, 
     representing one in 10 members of California's workforce and 
     the majority of the State's teachers;
       Whereas the California State University has dedicated 
     itself to helping foster improvement in the educational, 
     economic, and cultural life of California;
       Whereas the Chancellor and the Board of Trustees have led 
     the CSU during extremely difficult economic times that have 
     caused the CSU to cut admission rates and raise costs, as 
     they have launched initiatives to increase the system's 
     graduation rates and

[[Page H1082]]

     help underrepresented students complete college; and
       Whereas the California State University is developing not 
     only college graduates, but responsible citizens and leaders 
     for California and the Nation: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives commends and 
     congratulates the California State University system on the 
     occasion of its 50th anniversary.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from 
California (Ms. Woolsey) and the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Roe) 
each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from California.


                             General Leave

  Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I request 5 legislative days during which 
Members may revise and extend and insert extraneous material on H. Res. 
1117 into the Record.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentlewoman from California?
  There was no objection.
  Ms. WOOLSEY. I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1117, authored by 
Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren, a bill that celebrates California State 
University, CSU, for 50 years of service and leadership. In 1960, 
California developed its master plan for higher education. Since that 
time, this plan has provided access to higher education for the State's 
diverse array of students. In that same year, Mr. Speaker, with the 
passage of the Donahue Higher Education Act, California's individual 
State colleges were brought together to form the esteemed CSU system.
  Since its inception, California State University has grown into an 
exemplary set of higher education institutions. The CSU boasts 23 
campuses, seven off-campus centers, and over 433,000 students. In 
addition, the system maintains 44,000 faculty and staff, offering 1,800 
bachelors and master's degree programs in some 357 subject areas, 
making it the largest and most diverse university system in the United 
States.
  Each campus in the CSU system provides its own unique experience and 
enrolls a diverse set of students. CSU attracts the best and brightest 
students the great State of California produces. These students are not 
only leaders inside the classroom, but they also lead in service to 
their communities. Annually, CSU students participate in over 32 
million hours of community service, providing an economic impact of 
over $634 million to a multitude of California neighborhoods.
  Under the current leadership of Dr. Charles Reed and the Board of 
Trustees, the California State University system remains dedicated to 
providing access to all students, regardless of financial need. I 
applaud this continued commitment, particularly in this time of 
economic turmoil. Many representatives of the CSU system are visiting 
with us today, including Dr. Charles Reed and Dr. Ruben Arminana, who 
is the president of Sonoma State University in my district. Mr. 
Speaker, we owe them a great deal of thanks for their amazing work and 
for their support of California's students.
  Mr. Speaker, once again, I express my support of the California State 
University system. I thank Representative Lofgren for bringing this 
bill forward.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. ROE of Tennessee. I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  I rise today in support of House Resolution 1117, commending and 
congratulating the California State University system on the occasion 
of its 50th anniversary. The Weekly Normal School, today San Jose State 
University, became the first institution of higher education 
established by the State of California in 1862. The California State 
University system was established in 1960 as the California State 
College system.
  Today, the system is comprised of 23 campuses, with almost 433,000 
students and 44,000 faculty and staff. Cal State's campuses stretch 
from Humboldt in northern California to San Diego. It is the Nation's 
largest and one of the most affordable university systems. The 
California State University system offers more than 1,800 degree 
programs in 357 different subjects. CSU draws its students from the top 
two-thirds of California's high school students and graduates 91,000 
students annually.
  The CSU system prepares approximately 60 percent of the teachers in 
the State, 40 percent of the engineering graduates, and more graduates 
in business, agriculture, communications, health education, and public 
administration than any other college or university in California. The 
California State University system undoubtedly makes an invaluable 
contribution to the education of the people of California and the 
Nation.
  California State University also makes significant outreach efforts 
to inform and promote college attendance to middle and high school 
students, minority populations, and veterans. CSU's outreach to growing 
and underserved communities also provides a pathway for students from 
diverse backgrounds to pursue an education.
  I am pleased to congratulate CSU on the 50th anniversary of the 
University system's founding. I extend my congratulations to the 
California State University system, all the alumni, students, faculty, 
and staff at each of the 23 campuses, and to the people of California. 
I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I'm delighted to recognize for such time as 
she may consume the sponsor of H. Res. 1117, the gentlewoman from 
California (Ms. Zoe Lofgren).
  Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California. I want to thank Ms. Woolsey from 
California, a cosponsor and great supporter of this resolution and of 
education in California.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today as the proud sponsor of the resolution 
congratulating the California State University system on 50 years of 
providing high-quality, accessible, and affordable education. I want to 
thank my colleague, Wally Herger, for introducing this resolution with 
me. As has been mentioned, the CSU system is the Nation's largest and 
most diverse university system. It includes 23 campuses and seven off-
campus centers, with 44,000 faculty and staff and almost 433,000 
students.
  The California State University system was created in 1961 under the 
master plan, about 50 years ago, but San Jose State University preceded 
it. San Jose State University is the oldest university in the system. 
It's in my district, and it's in my neighborhood. It was founded in 
1857 in the basement of a high school in the Bay area. That first class 
had four graduates, all women, and San Jose State has obviously grown 
since that time. It's based in the heart of what is now Silicon Valley. 
San Jose State now is the single largest provider of engineers in 
Silicon Valley. The university sits on a 154-acre campus in downtown 
San Jose and has over 30,000 diverse students. It is ranked by U.S. 
News and World Report as a top 15 master's level public institution in 
the West.
  San Jose State's population, like many of the other CSU campuses, is 
a representation of the diverse community that it serves. Many of its 
students are from immigrant families and are the first in their 
families to attend or graduate from college. San Jose State University 
is also redefining what a traditional student is, as over a quarter of 
the undergraduates at the university are over the age of 24.

                              {time}  1830

  Surrounded by Silicon Valley, students are able to supplement their 
classroom knowledge with hands-on experiences at many of the innovative 
firms and agencies in the Valley through internships, summer programs, 
and research assistance.
  All of the CSUs, including San Jose State, play a critical role in 
preparing students for California's economy. With 91,000 annual 
graduates, the CSU is the State's greatest producer of bachelor's 
degrees. These students then help drive California's economy. And 
according to CSU, for every $1 the State invests into the CSU system, 
the CSU returns $4.41. CSU sustains more than 200,000 jobs in the 
State. And CSU-related expenditures create $13.6 billion in economic 
activity.
  Often referred to as the ``People's University,'' CSU reaches out to 
California's growing underserved communities. CSU provides more than 
half of all undergraduate degrees granted to California's Latino, 
African American, and Native American students. In fact, the 
Chancellor, Dr. Charles Reed, is here with us today and told us at our 
delegation meeting today about the

[[Page H1083]]

outreach efforts into African American churches on Sunday to tell 
families, 100,000 families in California about the opportunity that CSU 
presents to those families. Minority enrollments and graduation and 
success is up among Latino families, among African American families, 
among families who didn't really see a way for their kids to move 
forward.
  We know that there have been cutbacks, but the California delegation 
and President Obama have worked to preserve and improve affordability. 
Almost 190,000 CSU students will pay no fee increases due to increases 
in the State University Grants, Federal grants, and CSU fee waivers. So 
the Recovery Act has provided millions of needed dollars to the CSU. It 
has provided an additional $81 million for 120,000 of CSU's neediest 
students through the Pell Grant program. It also provided $76.5 million 
to restore classrooms that would have been cut so that students can 
graduate in 4 years.
  Mr. Speaker, I gave the commencement speech at San Jose State last 
year. And as I looked out over the student body, I saw thousands of 
young people, and some not so young, who had a dream, whose family 
never thought that their kids would have a chance to get an education 
and bite off a part of the American dream. Because of the CSU system, 
they are really part of our future.
  I am really thrilled to be part of honoring CSU, and also noting that 
the entire California Democratic delegation has cosponsored this 
resolution. I thank my colleague for allowing me to speak, and I urge 
passage of the resolution.
  Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, just one comment.
  There are a lot of things about our education system in America that 
is not right. And we deal with it every day. We had the Secretary in 
front of our committee this afternoon. But one of the things that is 
right is the higher education system in America. And I will tell you 
that without a system like California's, I wouldn't be standing here 
today. I was given an opportunity to succeed. And I know so many 
students in California that don't have the opportunity because of cost 
to attend a private university, get a great education in that system. 
And not only is the State of California better, America is better 
because of this. I would urge my colleagues to support this. I once 
again congratulate the CSU system.
  I yield back the balance of my time.
  Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the gentleman from 
Tennessee for his remarks. If you were educated in California, look at 
who you are. Thank you.
  Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to recognize for 2 minutes the gentlewoman 
from California (Ms. Chu), a member of the Education and Labor 
Committee.
  Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor California State 
University on its 50th anniversary. The CSU system is a model for 
States across the country. With 23 campuses, 430,000 students, and 
44,000 faculty and staff, it is the largest and most diverse university 
system in the Nation.
  In fact, California State University Los Angeles is located right in 
my district and has been educating students for over 50 years. I once 
taught there, and I know firsthand that this is one of the most 
affordable and diverse Cal State universities in the state, if not the 
Nation.
  Since most Cal State LA students come from families with incomes 
under $50,000, this university plays a critical role in making it 
possible for every student to attain their dream of a college 
education. Many of these students go on to successful careers in high 
demand fields such as nursing, IT, and the life sciences, and help make 
up the backbone of the workforce in Los Angeles County.
  I commend California State University Los Angeles and the entire CSU 
system for serving California so well for over half a century.
  Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, with that, I urge my colleagues to support 
H. Res. 1117, which celebrates the California State University system 
for 50 years of service and leadership, and to thank Representative 
Lofgren for introducing this very meaningful piece of legislation.
  Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House 
Resolution 1117 to applaud and honor the California State University 
system on the occasion of its 50th anniversary.
  Achieving equal access to education has always been one of my top 
legislative priorities and I am proud to recognize the California State 
University's leadership in providing high-quality, accessible, student-
focused higher education to the people of California and our nation.
  The growth of the California State University System over the past 50 
years provides an extraordinary example of the great success that can 
come to institutions that prioritize equity and excellence. With 23 
campuses, over 430,000 students, and 44,000 faculty and staff, the 
California State University System is the largest, the most diverse, 
and one of the most affordable university systems in the country.
  The California State University has a significant impact not only on 
the regions immediately surrounding CSU's 23 campuses, but on the state 
as a whole. Because many CSU students remain in-state after graduation, 
California greatly benefits from the skills and knowledge of CSU 
alumni. With 91,000 annual graduates, the California State University 
is California's highest producer of bachelor's degrees and helps drive 
California's economy in fields such as information technology, 
business, and education.
  Additionally, CSU students perform 32 million hours of community 
service annually, equating to an economic impact of $624 million. CSU's 
community service efforts have not gone unnoticed, as 16 CSU campuses 
were rightly named to the 2008 President's Higher Education Community 
Service Honor roll in recognition for their innovative and effective 
community service and service-learning programs.
  As the Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, I am particularly 
proud to say that CSU provides more than half of all undergraduate 
degrees granted to California's Latino, African American and Native 
American students. Additionally, as part of its African American 
Initiative, CSU has partnered with churches throughout California to 
bring awareness to students, parents and families about the importance 
of early preparation for college. Clearly, CSU is committed to 
providing an excellent education to all of California's students.
  In this challenging economic climate, the relevancy of the California 
State University is becoming ever more apparent. The CSU deserves 
continued support in its vital role in the growth and development of 
California's communities and economy. The California State University 
offers unlimited opportunities to help students of all backgrounds 
achieve their goals, and I am proud to join my colleagues in 
celebrating the achievements of this extraordinary institution.
  Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to join my 
colleagues from the California congressional delegation today to 
recognize the 50th anniversary of the California State University 
system.
  The state's individual State Colleges were incorporated into what is 
today known as the California State University system by the Donahoe 
Higher Education Act of 1960, designed as part of the California Master 
Plan for Higher Education to meet the future needs of a growing state. 
That bill was authored by my father, George Miller, Jr., who served in 
the State Senate for many years.
  Today, the campuses of the Cal State system can be found throughout 
California, and they make up the country's largest and most diverse 
university system. In my district's backyard, CSU East Bay is providing 
opportunities for young people from around the Bay Area, preparing them 
for the future.
  I am pleased to recognize the 50th anniversary of the California 
State University system, and I look forward to working with the CSU 
system and others in California and across the country to make college 
more affordable and accessible for students today and for generations 
to come.
  Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the California 
State University on its 50th anniversary. I am a proud alumnus of the 
CSU system--I earned my bachelor's degrees in biological sciences and 
Spanish, and my master's degree in education from San Jose State 
University. The California State University, the largest state 
university system in the nation, plays a significant role in 
California's success, with graduates numbering one in every ten members 
of California's workforce. The California State University is also on 
the forefront of ensuring the opportunity to receive a quality college 
education for the state's increasingly diverse population. With 23 
distinct campuses, from my alma mater in San Jose to CSU Long Beach and 
the California Maritime Academy in Vallejo, the CSU system brings 
higher education to a diverse student body of nearly 400,000 students 
every year. In 2002-03, more than half of all undergraduate degrees 
granted to Latino, African American and Native American students in 
California were awarded by the CSU.

[[Page H1084]]

  The impact of the CSU far exceeds the number of students it educates. 
The CSU provides more than 200,000 jobs for Californians, and research 
by CSU faculty and staff is solving critical problems for the state and 
creating innovative solutions for business and industry. Additionally, 
CSU students give back to their communities by participating in 32 
million hours of service annually.
  In conclusion, Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today 
to commend the California State University system on 50 years of not 
only providing high-quality, affordable higher education to meet the 
changing workforce needs of California, but also preparing students to 
become engaged members of their community, state and nation.
  Mrs. CAPPS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Res. 1117 and 
to personally congratulate the California State University system on 
its 50th anniversary. As a Californian, I am proud to commemorate this 
wonderful occasion.
  California is honored to be home to 23 world-class universities in 
the California State University (CSU) system. As the largest university 
system in the country, CSU serves nearly 433,000 students annually and 
provides jobs to almost 44,000 faculty and staff.
  I am privileged to represent the students and faculty of two of these 
outstanding institutions--California State University Channel Islands 
and California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal 
Poly). As the newest California State University, students at CSU 
Channel Islands benefit from top notch classroom instruction, up-to-
date technology and successful local business partnerships that provide 
a pathway to a well-rounded education. As a nationally ranked 
university, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo has become a proven leader in 
engineering, architecture, and agriculture.
  During these tough economic times, the CSU system is critical to 
ensuring our 'nation's long-term economic prosperity. As the most 
diverse and affordable system in the country, CSU provides us with a 
future robust workforce. These graduates will play a vital role in the 
growth and development of the economy and our local communities in 
California and across the nation.
  I urge my colleagues to pass H. Res. 1117 and commemorate this 
wonderful achievement.
  Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, 50 years ago today, the State of 
California made a decision that would alter the course of a nation. By 
establishing the California State University system to work in 
conjunction with the University of California and California's 
community colleges, our state's forward thinking policymakers declared 
that California would be a state where higher education was the 
birthright of every qualified resident.
  Since then, CSU has awarded nearly 2.5 million degrees, about 90,000 
annually. Because leaders in California's past had the vision of what a 
better California could look like, the Golden State has become the 
world's great innovator in computers, biotechnology, space exploration, 
and clean technology.
  The history of human civilization is replete with examples of great 
societies that fell into decline when they no longer prioritized 
education. We know that CSU returns $4.41 for every dollar the state 
invests in it, and CSU creates $13.6 billion in economic activity. What 
will happen to us if we continue to systematically defund the 23 CSU 
campuses that produce our future teachers, nurses, and engineers? What 
will happen to California if our leaders fail to recognize the fierce 
urgency of now?
  I was proud to serve as a California State University trustee, and it 
was saddening to witness almost yearly increases in student fees. I 
never voted for an undergraduate student fee increase--essentially a 
tax on students--because when we tell qualified students that we can't 
afford to give them the education they deserve, we don't just harm the 
individual. When we tell more than 40,000 qualified students that they 
are no longer welcome to an education in California, as we did in 2009, 
we are really saying that California is no longer prepared to be a 
leader in our global economy.
  Today is a day for celebration. CSU has been a pillar of growth for 
California for 50 years, and I congratulate all the administrators, 
faculty, staff, and students that have made it a success. But today 
must also be a call to action. We must unite to say it's time to 
increase investment in education and California's future.
  Ms. WOOLSEY. I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentlewoman yields back the balance of 
her time.
  The question is on the motion offered by the gentlewoman from 
California (Ms. Woolsey) that the House suspend the rules and agree to 
the resolution, H. Res. 1117.
  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.

                          ____________________