[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 126 (Monday, September 20, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1683]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         CONGRATULATING MIAMI DADE COLLEGE ON 50TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. KENDRICK B. MEEK

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 14, 2010

  Mr. MEEK of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H. 
Res. 1571, which acknowledges and congratulates Miami Dade College on 
the occasion of its 50th anniversary. Miami Dade College has a rich 
history in educating a diverse student population and continues to be a 
leader in expanding access to college for all those in South Florida, 
and the nation who wish to attend. I commend my colleague, Rep. Ros-
Lehtinen for introducing and bringing this legislation to the floor.
  Miami Dade College has always been a leader in opening doors to 
students. When it started in 1960, Miami Dade College was the first 
integrated college in the State of Florida. It led the way for other 
colleges to adopt more inclusive recruitment and acceptance policies 
and to help expand education opportunities to minorities and the under-
served. Now, Miami Dade College educates more than 160,000 students 
from across the world every year, and is the largest and most diverse 
institute of higher learning in the United States.
  At a time when we need to expand college opportunities and compete on 
a global level, Miami Dade College continues to lead the way, bringing 
access to non-traditional and non-legacy students. Fifty two percent of 
its students are the very first in their families to attend college, 
creating a new generation of college graduates. The school ranks first 
in the nation in the number of Pell grants awarded, with 39 percent of 
its students living below the poverty line, yet its students continue 
to not only excel, but to give back to the community in impressive 
numbers. Miami Dade College is one of only 40 community colleges to be 
named to the President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll, 
recognizing the school's commitment to, and achievement in community 
service.
  I applaud Miami Dade College's commitment to access, quality and 
service and the efforts of its leaders, like President Padron. I would 
like to wish Miami Dade College a happy 50th, and all the success for 
years to come. I ask that you and my distinguished colleagues join me 
in recognizing the hard work of the school and congratulating it on 50 
years.

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