[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 131 (Friday, September 28, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1662]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               UNIVERSITY MAILMAN SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 28, 2012

  Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise to 
recognize the Department of Sociomedical Sciences Doctoral Program/
Initiative for Maximizing Student Diversity at Columbia University 
Mailman School of Public Health for its outstanding impact on the 
success of its Latino student population. The school is a 
groundbreaking and progressive institution that strives to promote 
academic excellence and a diversified student, faculty, and staff 
population.
  Since its founding in 1968, the Sociomedical Sciences, SMS, program 
in Columbia's School of Public Health has evolved into a truly 
multidimensional institution. Its unique approach to teaching with its 
use of educators, engineers, and social scientists creates a robust 
learning model for addressing and ultimately solving today's prevalent 
health concerns. Columbia University has shown a dedication to 
maintaining its diverse community while also sustaining a high level of 
academic excellence. The Mailman School, in particular, has contributed 
to this mission exceptionally. From 2003 to 2010, 12.8 percent of 
students enrolled in the SMS doctoral program were Latinos, accurately 
representing the proportion of Latinos in the United States population.
  In addition to the implementation of equal opportunity policies, the 
Initiative for Maximizing Student Diversity, IMSD, has provided funding 
for graduate research positions and tuition assistance that demolished 
financial barriers previously hindering enrollment and timely degree 
attainment. This has provided for an increase in minority student 
enrollment and further expanded the already vibrantly assorted ethnic 
community.
  A culturally well-rounded student body enhances the world perspective 
of students both academically and personally. The Mailman School of 
Public Health has accomplished all that it has educationally, while 
remaining committed to diversity among its student population, creating 
an equitable academic environment fostering a more inclusive world 
perspective. Mr. Speaker, I am delighted to recognize this achievement 
as particularly outstanding and its focus on promoting academic 
advancement of Latino students.

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