[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 138 (Thursday, November 13, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1567]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


            HONORING THE PERALTA COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BARBARA LEE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 13, 2014

  Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Peralta 
Community College District's 50th Anniversary. Encompassing Berkeley 
City College, College of Alameda, Laney College and Merritt College, 
the Peralta Colleges have provided quality higher education to over one 
million students since its founding.
  Established on July 1, 1964, Peralta Community College District was 
formed after the residents of Alameda, Albany, Berkeley, Emeryville, 
Oakland and Piedmont voted to create a separate and single community 
college district. The district was named Peralta after Sergeant Luis 
Maria Peralta, since all the cities are located on the original Spanish 
land grant.
  At that time, Laney and Merritt Colleges were the only campuses that 
made up the new college district. A year later, voters approved a $47 
million bond measure to build new campuses across the northern Alameda 
county area, with the College of Alameda established in 1968 and 
Berkeley City College in 1974.
  While there are no Historically Black Colleges and Universities 
(HBCUs) in California, Merritt College is considered an accredited 
minority-serving institution, allowing the college access to HBCU 
funding.
  The colleges within Peralta Community College District offer 
innovative programs such as nursing, automotive technology, office 
administration, mechanics, bio manufacturing, bookkeeping, carpentry, 
food service and restaurant management. The colleges often align with 
businesses, industry and government to tailor training programs to meet 
economic and staffing needs. This in turn helps build a strong 
workforce and support our vibrant community and economy.
  Community colleges provide opportunities for millions of students and 
adults to continue their education in a flexible and affordable 
environment. Students attend community colleges for a range of reasons: 
as a first step to earning a bachelor's degree, an opportunity to gain 
workforce training, or simply a chance to learn or improve a skill.
  I commend the Peralta Community College District for providing our 
community with quality and affordable education. In addition to serving 
our region's students, the Peralta Community College District also 
attracts and engages individuals from all over the world. Through its 
Office of International Affairs and District Education, it has been at 
the forefront of promoting cultural diversity, pluralism and mutual 
understanding, benefitting all Bay Area residents and visitors.
  During the 1980's, my mentor and friend, a great woman warrior and 
member of the Berkeley City Council, Maudelle Shirek, and I attended 
night classes at then Vista, now Berkeley City College. We received a 
certificate in International Business and I will always remember this 
as a rigorous and rich educational experience. I am very proud of this 
certificate and encourage my constituents to attend Peralta Colleges 
because of the excellent programs and curriculum they offer.
  On behalf of the residents of California's 13th Congressional 
District, I extend my congratulations on this important milestone and 
thank all of the people who have contributed to the success of the 
Peralta Community College District throughout the years. I wish the 
Peralta Colleges continued success in the years to come.

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