[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 137 (Thursday, September 15, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1646]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        HISPANIC SERVING INSTITUTION WEEK, SEPTEMBER 19-25, 2011

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                         HON. RAUL M. GRIJALVA

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 15, 2011

  Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the important 
role that Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs) play in educating our 
nation's students. And I congratulate those institutions for their 
efforts as HSIs across the country celebrate National HSIs Week next 
week, September 19-25, 2011.
  Hispanic Serving Institutions play an important role in educating 
many underprivileged students and helping them attain their full 
potential through higher education. National Hispanic-Serving 
Institutions Week recognizes the contributions of these exemplary 
institutions at the forefront of service to our nation's youngest and 
largest ethnic population. It is significant that we pay tribute to 
them for their commitment to secure academic access, equity, excellence 
and success for every American.
  Hispanic-Serving Institutions provide hope and opportunity to 
America's diverse communities of learners, reflecting the belief that 
every American should have access to a college education. While HSIs 
constitute less than 5 percent of America's institutions of higher 
education, they enroll 50 percent of all Hispanic Americans enrolled in 
colleges and universities.
  This year also marks the 25th Anniversary or Silver Anniversary of 
the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU), an 
association working to improve the capacity of HSIs to help students 
succeed across our nation.
  In honoring the many contributions of Hispanic-Serving Institutions 
(HSIs), we recognize the critical role that HSIs play in providing 
quality educational opportunities to Hispanics and to all other 
students who attend these institutions.
  Congratulations to HACU and to the nations' Hispanic Serving 
Institutions, and thank you for your service to our communities and 
your contributions to higher education.

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