[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.

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