[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 56 (Tuesday, April 20, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E595-E596]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING THE CITY OF KALAMAZOO, MICHIGAN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. FRED UPTON

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 20, 2010

  Mr. UPTON. Madam Speaker, it is with great pride I rise today in 
honor of the City of Kalamazoo, Michigan on the occasion of its 125th 
anniversary.

[[Page E596]]

  First settled in 1829 upon the Kalamazoo River, the city's namesake, 
the city was incorporated in 1885, midway between Detroit and Chicago.
  Over the past 125 years, Kalamazoo has made a name for itself as a 
pioneer in the health sciences, industry, and higher education. The 
city is the birthplace of many classic American icons, such as Gibson 
Guitars, Shakespeare fishing rods, and Checker taxi cabs. As a leader 
in the medical field, Kalamazoo is also home to the Upjohn Company, the 
longtime pharmaceutical manufacturer, and Stryker Corporation, a global 
leader in the development of medical implants, equipment, and 
technologies. While many changes have come to the region over the 
years, hard work and innovation remain hallmarks of the local economy.
  More recently, Kalamazoo attracted national recognition for the 
groundbreaking ``Kalamazoo Promise,'' a pledge made by a group of 
anonymous area donors to pay the tuition for graduates of Kalamazoo's 
public schools to attend any of the state's public colleges or 
universities. This philanthropic model has since been adopted in states 
across the country with great success.
  Kalamazoo is home to Western Michigan University, the fourth largest 
higher education institution in our state as well as Kalamazoo College, 
one of the nation's oldest and most respected higher education 
institutions dedicated to the liberal arts. Kalamazoo Valley Community 
College has distinguished itself as a national leader in the 
development of alternative energy and other important technologies.
  Over the years, Kalamazoo has also earned a reputation as a community 
passionately dedicated to the arts, a reflection of its cultural 
diversity and exceptional level of community engagement. Kalamazoo has 
also produced and attracted its share of national celebrities, 
including New York Yankees' Derek Jeter, Green Bay Packers' Greg 
Jennings, Seattle Seahawks' T.J. Duckett, and American Idol favorite 
Matt Giraud.
  Despite the great economic challenges faced by our state, the people 
of Kalamazoo have continued to work together, as they always have, for 
the benefit of their entire community. This has been the secret to the 
city's long success and an example for other communities to replicate.
  Again, it is my honor to stand today in recognition of the City of 
Kalamazoo for its rich 125 year history. Here is to the next 125 years.

                          ____________________