[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 3 (Wednesday, January 6, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E10]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    RECOGNIZING SIMMONS COLLEGE ON BECOMING OUR NATION'S 107TH HBCU

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                          HON. JOHN A. YARMUTH

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, January 6, 2016

  Mr. YARMUTH. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor and congratulate 
Simmons College of Kentucky on officially becoming recognized as our 
nation's 107th Historically Black College and University. One hundred 
and fifty years ago, members of twelve Black Baptist Churches met in 
Louisville to discuss the need for a school that would allow Black 
students to pursue a college degree. After years of planning and 
consideration, they decided that this school should be located at the 
corner of 8th and Kentucky in Louisville, where they purchased four 
acres of land and continued working to make their dream a reality. 
Originally founded as the Kentucky Normal Theological Institute, it was 
under the leadership of Dr. W.J. Simmons that the school became a full 
university, growing in both size and opportunity, and would eventually 
be renamed in his honor.
   Today, Simmons College continues to make a positive impact in our 
city and throughout Kentucky. The faith that inspired this institution 
to persevere throughout the years is now stronger than ever, and the 
hundreds of students who are currently enrolled are continuing the 
school's proud tradition as the birthplace of Black higher education in 
Louisville. As the school's motto so accurately states, Simmons College 
has been ``dedicated to educational excellence since 1879,'' and I 
extend my most sincere congratulations to their President, Dr. Kevin W. 
Cosby, his students, and the entire Simmons community. Go Simmons 
Nation.

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