[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 76 (Wednesday, May 19, 2010)]
[House]
[Pages H3597-H3599]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
RECOGNIZING 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL UNIVERSITY
Ms. FUDGE. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to
the resolution (H. Res. 1361) recognizing North Carolina Central
University on its 100th anniversary, as amended.
The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
The text of the resolution is as follows:
H. Res. 1361
Whereas North Carolina Central University (NCCU) in Durham,
North Carolina, was chartered in 1909 as a private
institution and opened to students on July 5, 1910;
Whereas the school was founded by Dr. James E. Shepard as
the National Religious Training School and Chautauqua for the
Colored Race with the purpose of developing African-American
men and women into citizens of fine character and sound
academic training;
Whereas the school's name was changed to the National
Training School in 1915, following its sale and
reorganization;
Whereas the school became a publicly supported institution
in 1923 under the name of the Durham State Normal School,
with funding from the North Carolina General Assembly;
Whereas the General Assembly rededicated the institution as
the North Carolina College for Negroes in 1925, making it the
Nation's first State-supported liberal arts college for
African-American students;
Whereas the college saw significant expansion between 1927
and 1929 through additional funding from the General
Assembly, a generous gift from B.N. Duke, and contributions
from the citizens of Durham;
Whereas the college was accredited by the Southern
Association of Colleges and Secondary schools as a class
``A'' institution in 1937, and gained membership in that
association in 1957;
Whereas the college was authorized to offer graduate
studies in 1939, which led to the establishment of the School
of Law in 1940 and the School of Library Science in 1941;
Whereas the General Assembly changed the name of the
institution to North Carolina College at Durham in 1947 and,
finally, to North Carolina Central University in 1969;
Whereas NCCU became part of the consolidated University of
North Carolina system, which includes all 16 of North
Carolina's public institutions that grant baccalaureate
degrees, in 1972;
Whereas the university was led by Dr. Shepard from its
inception until his death on October 6, 1947, and was led
subsequently by Dr. Alfonso Elder, Dr. Samuel P. Massie, Dr.
Albert N. Whiting, Dr. LeRoy T. Walker, Dr. Tyronza R.
Richmond, Julius L. Chambers, Dr. James H. Ammons, and Dr.
Charlie Nelms;
Whereas NCCU currently offers bachelors degrees in more
than 100 fields of study and awards graduate degrees in about
40 disciplines;
Whereas the U.S. News and World Report recently ranked NCCU
the number-one Public Historically Black College and
University (HBCU) in the country, the number-one HBCU in
North Carolina, and one of the top ten HBCUs in the country
overall;
Whereas the NCCU School of Law has been named the ``Best
Value Law School'' in the Nation by National Jurist magazine
for two consecutive years;
Whereas NCCU has a state-of-the-art biotechnology research
institute that collaborates with pharmacy and biotechnology
companies in the Research Triangle area of North Carolina and
trains students to meet the State's biotechnology workforce
needs;
Whereas the university is home to the ``Marching Sound
Machine,'' an award-winning marching band that will be
performing on New Year's Day 2011 in the Rose Parade, and the
NCCU Jazz Ensemble, which recently performed in the Newport
Jazz Festival;
Whereas NCCU sports teams have won 41 conference
championships, three NCAA regional titles, and two national
championships (1989 NCAA Division II men's basketball and
1972 NAIA men's outdoor track and field);
Whereas more than 50 student-athletes from NCCU have won
individual NCAA and NAIA national championships;
Whereas student-athletes representing NCCU competed in
every Olympic Games from 1956 to 1976 in track and field,
capturing eight Olympic medals during that time period,
including five gold medals;
Whereas NCCU was the first State university in North
Carolina to establish community service as a requirement for
graduation and has been recognized by the Carnegie Foundation
as a ``community-engaged university'';
Whereas NCCU has graduated approximately 40,000 students in
the century since its founding and now has the largest
freshman class in its history, with an overall record
enrollment of more than 8,500 students; and
Whereas NCCU and its home city of Durham, North Carolina,
have long enjoyed a close and mutually beneficial
relationship, with the University's total economic impact on
Durham and the surrounding region estimated at more than
$300,000,000 per year, and thousands of NCCU graduates have
served Durham and its citizens as leaders, educators,
professionals, entrepreneurs, and volunteers: Now, therefore,
be it
Resolved, that the House of Representatives--
(1) honors the memory of Dr. James E. Shepard for his role
in founding North Carolina Central University;
(2) celebrates the 100th anniversary of North Carolina
Central University, recognizes the University's
accomplishments over the past century, and encourages North
Carolina's citizens to participate in activities marking this
historic occasion; and
(3) directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to
make available five enrolled copies of this resolution to Dr.
Charlie Nelms, the current Chancellor of North Carolina
Central University.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from
Ohio (Ms. Fudge) and the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Petri) each will
control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Ohio.
General Leave
Ms. FUDGE. Madam Speaker, I request 5 legislative days during which
Members may revise and extend and insert extraneous material on H. Res.
1361 into the Record.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentlewoman from Ohio?
There was no objection.
Ms. FUDGE. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1361, which
celebrates North Carolina Central University for 100 years of
leadership and service in higher education. North Carolina Central was
originally opened to students in 1910, through the work of the school's
founder, Dr. James Shepard. NCCU became a State university in 1923,
when it was renamed the Durham
[[Page H3598]]
State Normal School. In 1969, the institution came to be known as it is
today--North Carolina Central University.
The 135-acre campus of North Carolina Central University is situated
on the sloping, green hills of Durham, North Carolina. The university
is home to over 8,500 students this year--a record enrollment level. In
fact, this year, NCCU has the largest freshman class in its history.
The university currently offers bachelor's degrees in more than 100
fields of study and awards graduate degrees in about 40 disciplines.
NCCU has also achieved athletic distinction. The NCCU Eagles have won
41 conference championships, 3 NCAA regional titles, and 2 national
championships. More than 50 student athletes have won individual NCAA
and NAIA national championships.
Finally, North Carolina Central University is also known for giving
back to the Raleigh-Durham area, thanks to their community service
program, which requires each student to contribute 15 hours of
community service per semester. NCCU students serve as tutors in local
schools, help build Habitat for Humanity housing, assist with a variety
of youth programs, and promote the causes of nonprofit service agencies
around the campus and neighboring community. This commitment is
indicative of NCCU's tradition of cultivating graduates, who will
become meaningful contributors to society.
The students, faculty, and staff of North Carolina Central University
have much to be proud of as they remember and celebrate the rich
cultural and academic history of their university over the past
century. Once again, I congratulate North Carolina Central University
on its 100-year anniversary, and thank Representative Price for
bringing this bill forward.
I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. PETRI. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
I rise in support of House Resolution 1361, recognizing North
Carolina Central University on its 100th anniversary. Since 1910, the
mission of North Carolina Central University has been to prepare
students academically and professionally to become leaders. NCCU was
founded by Dr. James E. Shepard as the National Religious Training
School and Chautauqua for the Colored Race, with the purpose of
developing African American men and women into citizens of fine
character and sound academic training. After several name changes in
the early 1900s, the college saw a significant expansion between 1927
and 1929 through additional funding from the General Assembly, a
generous gift from B.N. Duke, and contributions from the citizens of
Durham.
NCCU is a comprehensive institution which offers bachelor's degrees
in more than 100 fields of study and awards graduate degrees in an
estimated 40 disciplines. The university has a state-of-the-art
biotechnology research institute, which collaborates with pharmacy and
biotech companies in the much-touted Research Triangle Park area, where
NCCU is found.
With nearly 9,000 students enrolled, this Historically Black
University is diverse. International studies and exchange programs
attract exchange students from more than 12 countries, including
Liberia, India, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Nepal, China, the Czech
Republic, Nigeria, South Korea, Russia, the Dominican Republic, Mexico,
and South Africa. Through the scholarship and teaching of its faculty
and the many contributions to society of its alumni, NCCU seeks to
fulfill its motto of ``Truth and Service.''
I'd like to congratulate NCCU Chancellor Charlie Nelms, the faculty,
staff, and students, as they celebrate their 100th anniversary. I ask
my colleagues to support this resolution.
I reserve the balance of my time.
Ms. FUDGE. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to yield such time as he may
consume to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Price).
Mr. PRICE of North Carolina. I thank my colleague for yielding.
Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1361, which
commemorates the centennial anniversary of North Carolina Central
University and honors its founder, Dr. James E. Shepard. I've
introduced this resolution as the Member of this body privileged to
represent North Carolina Central, but I'm proud to say it has the
support of the entire North Carolina delegation, as well as a number of
other Members who recognize the university's significance.
People frequently talk about the Big Three universities in the
Research Triangle area of North Carolina, referring to Duke University,
North Carolina State University, and the University of North Carolina
at Chapel Hill. But I like to remind them that it actually is the Big
Four. North Carolina Central is as fully integral to the historical
fabric of our State as its three peer institutions. It is one of the
oldest and most prestigious Historically Black Colleges and
Universities (HBCUs) in the Nation. And it has rapidly assumed an
important role as a research institution.
Established by Dr. James E. Shepard in 1909 in Durham, North
Carolina, the university first opened its doors to students a year
later as the National Religious Training School and Chautauqua. Dr.
Shepard was a visionary leader guided by the conviction that individual
self-improvement and collective self-advancement were inextricably
intertwined. ``There is no economy in ignorance,'' he declared.
``Education is a vastly expensive resource, but ignorance is
incomparably more so. Ignorance and poverty are cures for nothing.''
Dr. Shepard led the university until his death in 1947, guiding the
institution through several name changes, watching the university grow
in size and mission, and helping the school gain the support of the
North Carolina State Legislature. In 1925, thanks to Dr. Shepard's
leadership, the school became the Nation's first State-supported
liberal arts college for African American students.
Now an integral part of the University of North Carolina system, NC
Central offers bachelor's degrees in more than 100 fields of study and
graduate degrees in about 40 disciplines to a student body of around
8,500. U.S. News and World Report recently ranked NC Central as the top
public HBCU in the Nation and one of the top 10 HBCUs overall. The NC
Central School of Law has been named the ``Best Value Law School'' in
the Nation by National Jurist magazine for 2 consecutive years.
NC Central is also renowned for its contributions to the cultural and
performing arts. The university is home to the Marching Sound Machine,
an award-winning marching band that will be performing on New Year's
Day, 2011, in the Rose Bowl Parade, and the North Carolina Central Jazz
Ensemble, which recently performed in the Newport Jazz Festival.
NC Central also has a strong history of athletic prowess. It's sports
teams have won 41 conference championships, 3 NCAA regional titles, and
2 national championships. More than 50 of its student athletes have won
individual NCAA and NAIA national championships, and student athletes
representing NCCU competed at every Olympic games from 1956 to 1976 in
track and field, capturing eight Olympic medals, including five gold
medals, during that period.
As a co-chair of the congressional National Service Caucus, I must
also note that NC Central was the first State university in North
Carolina to establish community service as a requirement for graduation
and has been recognized by the Carnegie Foundation as a ``community-
engaged university.'' It should therefore come as no surprise that the
university has enjoyed a mutually beneficial relationship with its home
city of Durham throughout its 100-year history.
Thousands of NC Central graduates have served Durham as community
leaders, educators, professionals, entrepreneurs, and volunteers.
However, the reach of the university extends far beyond the Triangle
region of North Carolina. In the century since its founding, the
university has graduated approximately 40,000 students and proudly
boasts many distinguished alumni, including civil rights lawyer and
educator Julius L. Chambers; basketball Hall-of-Famer Sam Jones; two-
time Olympic track gold medalist Lee Calhoun; North Carolina Superior
Court Judge Toby Fitch; State Senator and former House Speaker Dan
Blue; and State Representative Mickey Michaux; not to mention my friend
and the lead cosponsor of this legislation, our own colleague, G.K.
Butterfield.
[[Page H3599]]
{time} 1330
In the words of NC Central's current chancellor, Dr. Charlie Nelms,
``It's no small accomplishment that an institution of higher
education--and in this case founded by African Americans at a time when
African Americans were barred from most colleges--survived and thrived
for 100 years.'' I could not agree more. Under the visionary leadership
of Dr. Shepard, Dr. Nelms and all who served the institution in
between, the university has flourished and has touched countless lives
in North Carolina and throughout the country and the world.
With that, I urge my colleagues to join me in support of this
resolution.
Mr. PETRI. I continue to reserve the balance of my time.
Ms. FUDGE. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to yield as much time as he
may consume to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Butterfield).
Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Let me thank the gentlewoman for yielding the time
and thank her for her work on the committee and her work here in the
Congress. She is certainly representing her district very well, and I
thank her for that. Let me also thank the ranking member, the gentleman
from Wisconsin, who is managing the bill on the floor today for his
friendship and thank him for the kind words he said about my alma
mater, North Carolina Central University. I particularly want to thank
my good friend, Congressman David Price, who proudly and effectively
represents Durham County and the surrounding counties, which is the
home of North Carolina Central University. I thank him for what he
means to that community. Congressman Price has been so involved in the
life of the university for so long, and I want to thank him publicly
for that effective leadership.
Madam Speaker, I first arrived on the NCCU campus way back in August
of 1965. It was a great year. I remember it so well. At the time, the
university was named North Carolina College at Durham. It was while I
was there at Central that the name was actually changed to North
Carolina Central University. Not only did I receive a very effective
and appropriate undergraduate education at the university, but I also
received my law degree there at North Carolina Central University
School of Law. So I have a lot to be proud of, and I have a lot to be
thankful for. That's why I have come to the floor today to pay tribute
to this great institution for its service over the past 100 years.
As Congressman Price said a moment ago, North Carolina Central
University was established in 1910. It has grown into one of our
Nation's oldest and most prestigious Historically Black Colleges and
Universities, and all of us who attended North Carolina Central know
the history of Dr. James E. Shepard. He was an extraordinary leader
whose vision for the university has come to fruition. We call ourselves
the Eagles. Congressman Price referred to that a few moments ago, and
so we are certainly Eagles.
NCCU offers degrees in more than 100 fields of study. It awards
graduate degrees in approximately 40 disciplines to a student body of
8,500. I believe when I started at the university in 1965, there were
some 3,500 students at the school, and so the census and the population
of the student body has actually doubled.
North Carolina Central University boasts a state-of-the-art
biotechnology research institute that allows students to collaborate
with pharmacy and biotechnology companies in North Carolina's Research
Triangle Park. North Carolina Central University holds the top spot
among public schools in the U.S. News & World Report's latest ranking
of the Nation's Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
Finally, Madam Speaker, as I take my seat, I cannot help but mention
the fact that we have nine NCCU law students on the Hill serving as
interns this summer. They have been placed in various offices
throughout the House of Representatives, and they represent the best of
North Carolina Central University. They are our future leaders, indeed.
And so we honor this great institution today. I ask my colleagues to
join with us in voting ``aye'' on H. Res. 1361.
Mr. ETHERIDGE. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Res.
1361, which celebrates the centennial anniversary of North Carolina
Central University, NCCU.
Even in a state like North Carolina, which is blessed with many fine
colleges and universities and which honors and respects higher
education, NCCU stands out.
It was recently ranked as one of the top HBCUs in the nation. Central
has been responsible for the education of many distinguished North
Carolinians. To name just a few, these include civil rights lawyer and
educator Julius L. Chambers, basketball Hall of Famer Sam Jones, two-
time Olympic track gold medalist Lee Calhoun, and former U.S.
Congresswoman Eva Clayton.
More personally, several of my staffers or former staffers received a
fine education at Central. Carolyn Smith, who has served as a district
representative in Raleigh for nearly a decade now, received two degrees
in Public Administration from NCCU. Former staffers Courtney Crowder,
Mercedes Rustucha, and Jake Parker also studied there.
Central has survived and thrived for 100 years because of its
dedication to the education of all Americans. As its founder, Dr. James
E. Shepard, said, ``Education is a vastly expensive resource, but
ignorance is incomparably more so.'' Our nation is well-served by its
investments in education and by its commitment to fine institutions
like NCCU.
Madam Speaker, I am proud to be a cosponsor of this resolution. I
commend my colleague, Congressman David Price for his leadership in
authoring this measure, and I urge my colleagues to join me in
celebrating 100 years of educational greatness in central North
Carolina by voting yes on H. Res. 1361.
Mr. PETRI. Madam Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I
yield back the balance of my time.
Ms. FUDGE. Madam Speaker, I have no further requests for time. I
would urge my colleagues to support H. Res. 1361, and I yield back the
balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentlewoman from Ohio (Ms. Fudge) that the House suspend the rules and
agree to the resolution, H. Res. 1361, as amended.
The question was taken.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
Ms. FUDGE. Madam Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a
quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not
present.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be
postponed.
The point of no quorum is considered withdrawn.
____________________