[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 163 (Thursday, October 27, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1948-E1949]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     RECOGNIZING MADONNA UNIVERSITY

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. THADDEUS G. McCOTTER

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 27, 2011

  Mr. McCOTTER. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize Madonna 
University, located in my hometown of Livonia, Michigan, upon the 75th 
anniversary of the school's founding by the Felician Sisters.
  In 1937, the Felician Sisters established Presentation Blessed Virgin 
Mary Junior College on what had been sprawling farmland. As a teaching 
college with a staff of 18 Sisters committed to providing higher 
education to area Catholic schools, the school grew to include service-
oriented majors such as nursing, hospice, sign language and criminal 
justice.
  After 10 years of rapid growth, Presentation Blessed Virgin Mary 
College expanded to a baccalaureate institution and was renamed Madonna 
College. In 1965, the main Academic Building and Residence Hall were 
dedicated. Madonna launched its first master's program in 1982, and in 
1984 dedicated a new library and Kresge Hall. Madonna became a 
University in 1991 and currently offers more than 50 undergraduate 
majors toward associate and bachelor degrees as well as 22 masters 
programs in clinical psychology, business, criminal justice, education, 
history and health professions. The year 2009 brought the University's 
first doctoral program in nursing

[[Page E1949]]

and the dedication of the Franciscan Center for Science and Media. The 
Franciscan Center has been awarded Gold Status for Leadership in Energy 
and Environmental Design by the United States Green Building Council. 
The Ford Motor Company Technology Wing offers opportunities for 
students to work collaboratively on class projects. From its humble 
beginnings Madonna University has been at the forefront of academic 
excellence.
  Mr. Speaker, for 75 years Madonna University has been true to its 
mission and Franciscan values. I ask my colleagues to join me in 
commending Madonna University and the Felician Sisters for their 
commitment to furthering education and their positive influence on our 
community and our country.

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