[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 133 (Friday, September 9, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1591-E1592]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO DR. EDYTHE M. ABDULLAH

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DONALD M. PAYNE

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 9, 2011

  Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to extend my congratulations to 
Dr. Edythe M. Abdullah on her investiture as the sixth president of 
Essex County College. As the first female to lead this 13,000 student 
institution, Dr. Abdullah has already demonstrated her strong 
competency in leadership and her knowledge of academia. Clearly, these 
attributes contributed to her selection as president following the 
college's nationwide search for a replacement for President Emeritus, 
Dr. A. Zachary Yamba.
  Dr. Abdullah's impressive background as a college administrator which 
includes her presidency at Florida State College has allowed

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her to easily transition to the Essex County College Campus. That 
experience coupled with her undergraduate degree from Valparaiso 
University, her Juris Doctorate from the University of Florida and her 
Leadership Certificate from Harvard University make her very qualified 
to add her distinctive branding to Essex County College.
  Fortunately, for the community at large, Dr. Abdullah understands the 
unique challenges faced by students with potential but who lack the 
resources needed to obtain a higher education. Accordingly, she has 
launched multiple initiatives that will allow Essex County College to 
address the economic requirements of students while preparing them for 
the future. In fact, the underlying theme: Changing Lives . . . 
Building Futures includes actionable processes that are measurable and 
comprehensive in their scope.
  Since her arrival in Newark, Dr. Abdullah has impressed me with her 
willingness to make tough but necessary decisions. This investiture is 
a fitting culmination of her obvious dedication to excellence. I am 
pleased to join her family, faculty, colleagues, students and the 
Greater Newark community in feting her on this wonderful occasion.