[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 105 (Monday, July 22, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1110]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING DR. ARNOLD L. MITCHEM AS HE RECEIVES THE INAUGURAL HAL D. 
          PAYNE EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY LIFETIME SERVICE AWARD

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                           HON. BRIAN HIGGINS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 22, 2013

  Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor to Dr. Arnold L. 
Mitchem, the inaugural recipient of the Hal D. Payne Educational 
Opportunity Lifetime Service Award by the Upward Bound Program of 
Buffalo State College.
   Dr. Mitchem is recognized for his service as president of the 
Council for Opportunity in Education since 1986. This noble 
organization's mission is to advance and defend the ideal of equal 
educational opportunity in postsecondary education. The COE is a 
remarkably far-reaching program, serving close to 800,000 students 
annually by providing professional development and advocacy for nearly 
2,800 federally funded college opportunity programs at more than 1,000 
colleges nationwide.
   Dr. Mitchem has dedicated his career to striving for equality and 
diversity in education. As a trustee for the College Board, a member of 
INROADS, Inc's first National Board, and as a past president of the 
Committee for Education Funding, he has greatly impacted the national 
discourse about inequality and education. He is the founding president 
of the Mid-America Association of Educational Opportunity Program 
Personnel, a consortium dedicated to leveling the playing field for 
those least likely to enroll in college, including low-income, 
disabled, and first generation students.
   A recipient of honorary doctorates from ten universities, Dr. 
Mitchem has been recognized across the country for his tireless efforts 
and passion. Additional awards and recognitions include the Arturo 
Schomburg Distinguished Service Award from the Association for Equality 
and Excellence in Education, Inc., and the Lifetime Achievement Award 
from the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities.
   In addition to his professional accolades, Dr. Mitchem and his 
lovely wife Freda have raised four children together: Michael, Thea, 
Nichelle, and Adrienne.
   Mr. Speaker, thank you for allowing me a few moments to honor Dr. 
Arnold Mitchem as a true champion for equality in education and 
congratulate him as he receives the inaugural Hal D. Payne Educational 
Opportunity Lifetime Service Award. I am sincerely grateful for his 
service and wish him the best in all his future endeavors.

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