[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 134 (Thursday, September 18, 2014)]
[Senate]
[Page S5848]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                RECOGNIZING THE UNIVERSITY OF PIKEVILLE

  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I rise today to honor a venerable 
institution of higher learning from my home State of Kentucky the 
University of Pikeville. UPike, as it is more commonly known, is 
celebrating 125 years of educating young minds on its campus in eastern 
Kentucky.
  September 16 marked 125 years since the first classes were held at 
what was then called Pikeville Collegiate Institute. The college was 
founded by a group of Presbyterians, and has maintained its religious 
foundation ever since.
  In addition to its religious background, UPike has also always 
maintained a strong commitment to its community. The university invests 
deeply in the Appalachian region through community service projects, 
humanitarian efforts, and its educational offerings. As former 
President Hal Smith remarked at the anniversary ceremony, UPike's 
mission has always been ``to provide educational opportunity for the 
youth and adults of this region.''
  Three other former presidents, as well as the current President Dr. 
James Hurley, were in attendance Tuesday for the ceremony. During the 
ceremony, Dr. Hurley announced a campaign to raise $75 million for the 
university. It is a fitting endeavor to ensure many more years of 
excellence in education at the University of Pikeville.
  I now ask that my Senate colleagues join me in paying tribute to the 
University of Pikeville's 125 years of excellence in education.
  WYMT Mountain News recently published an article detailing the 
University of Pikeville's 125th anniversary ceremonies. I ask unanimous 
consent that the full article be printed in the Record.
  There being no objection, the material was ordered to be printed in 
the Record, as follows:

 University of Pikeville Kicks Off 125th Anniversary by Honoring Four 
                           Former Presidents

                         (By Hillary Thornton)

       Pikeville, KY. (WYMT).--Four former University of Pikeville 
     presidents were on hand for a ceremony that was all about 
     honoring their past and celebrating their future. As Tuesday 
     marks 125 years since the first class was held at the 
     Pikeville Collegiate Institute . . . now known as UPike.
       Opening convocation officially starts the school year, 
     however this year also marks the 125th anniversary.
       Through all those years, the many additions and changes . . 
     . all agree the mission of the institution remains the same.
       Former President Hal Smith (1997-2009) says, ``To provide 
     educational opportunity for the youth and adults of this 
     region.''
       President James Hurley calls it a very surreal day, as he 
     honors four past presidents with honorary degrees from the 
     institution they say continues to break barriers and exceed 
     expectations.
       Smith says, ``Each of us laid a little bit of a foundation 
     for the things that are happening and clearly I think the 
     future is very, very bright.''
       To help ensure another 125 years of success at UPike, Dr. 
     Hurley announced a $75 million comprehensive capital 
     campaign.
       ``Investing in the future of Central Appalachia . . . with 
     the decline in the coal industry we have to think about a new 
     economy, an economy based on education,'' explains Hurley. He 
     adds, ``That is going to be our focus . . . we are going to 
     raise 75 million dollars to invest in new infrastructure.''
       KYCOM student Fritz Stine says, ``I think this definitely 
     shows that we are moving in this trajectory and we are 
     spearheading the future of the area.''
       ``Working to honor their past, while planning for and 
     celebrating their future.''

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