[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 87 (Thursday, June 10, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1082]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING DR. JOSEPH W. BASCUAS, INTERIM PRESIDENT OF BECKER COLLEGE, 
                        LEICESTER, MASSACHUSETTS

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                          HON. RICHARD E. NEAL

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 10, 2010

  Mr. NEAL of Massachusetts. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute 
to Dr. Joseph W. Bascuas for serving as Becker College's interim 
president and for his promotion of high academic standards.
  The Becker College Board of Trustees named Dr. Bascuas as interim 
president on September 26, 2008. Dr. Bascuas gave his leadership and 
support to the Becker College community in various ways during his 
tenure. Specifically, he brought more than 25 years of experience in 
higher education to Becker College.
  During his time at Becker College, Dr. Bascuas strengthened relations 
with the local community, encouraging the investment of college 
resources to the benefit of the local community. Specifically, he 
effectively emphasized new collaborations with the Town of Leicester 
Public Schools and championed the college's plans to transition part of 
the landmark Reverend Samuel May House into a visitor center for the 
town. On a personal note, I appreciate his interest in promoting civil 
rights and his personal invitation to address students on this 
important chapter of our nation's history and served as the 
commencement speaker for the graduating class of 2010.
  Becker College is a unique New England college. The institution, 
which traces its history to 1784, is comprised of two separate campuses 
only six miles apart, one in Leicester and the other in Worcester, 
Massachusetts, each with its own dormitories, library, dining hall and 
academic facilities. The college serves more than 1,700 students from 
18 states and 12 countries, and offers more than 25 diverse, quality 
bachelor degree programs in unique, high-demand career niches ranging 
from nursing and equine management to computer game design and a 
variety of adult learning options.
  Prior to serving as interim president at Becker College, Dr. Bascuas 
served as president of Medaille College, Buffalo, NY, a private 
institution that offers undergraduate and graduate degrees, from 2002 
through 2006. Dr. Bascuas successfully took Medaille through an 
accreditation and strategic planning; completed a $2.4 million capital 
campaign; nearly doubled revenue and undergraduate freshman to 
sophomore retention; and increased overall and undergraduate enrollment 
as well as the number of resident students. As founding president of 
Argosy University Atlanta, GA campus, Bascuas spent 12 years with the 
Argosy Education Group. During his tenure, the Argosy corporate entity 
grew from 3 to 13 campuses, offering undergraduate and graduate 
programs in business, education, and psychology, two law schools, and 
one technology-focused school. Dr. Bascuas also increased enrollment 
and revenues at all campuses, introduced new programs at five campuses, 
and hired presidents at two campuses. Previously, Bascuas has held 
administrative and teaching positions at the Georgia School of 
Professional Psychology, Antioch University, Nova/Southeastern 
University and Salve Regina University. He has held a number of 
positions with professional boards and associations, most recently as 
site visit team chair for the Middle States Commission on Higher 
Education, and he has served on the National Collegiate Athletic 
Association Division III Presidents Council. Dr. Bascuas has written 
and co-authored numerous papers on psychological topics and has 
presented at symposia and conferences. He received a B.A. from LaSalle 
University and an M.A. and a Ph.D. from Temple University.
  Mr. President, I again thank Dr. Joseph W. Bascuas for his great 
contributions to Becker College and the Town of Leicester. I ask my 
colleagues to join me in wishing Dr. Joseph W. Bascuas all of the best 
in his future endeavors.

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