[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 36 (Monday, March 7, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E282]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         CELEBRATING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF DeSALES UNIVERSITY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. CHARLES W. DENT

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 7, 2016

  Mr. DENT. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to bring the 50th Anniversary 
of DeSales University to the attention of the House.
   Named in honor of Saint Francis de Sales, DeSales was founded after 
Bishop Joseph McShea organized a survey of Catholic education 
opportunities in the Allentown Diocese. The study indicated there was a 
need for a Catholic College in the Lehigh Valley area of the Allentown 
Diocese.
   The Oblates of St. Francis de Sales broke ground for the new college 
in May of 1964 on a 500 acre tract located in Lehigh County's Upper 
Saucon Township. DeSales accepted its first class of freshmen in 
September 1965 under its original name--Allentown College of St. 
Francis de Sales.
   The ensuing decades brought growth--both in the number of students 
enrolled and in the curriculum offered.
   In March 2000, Allentown College proudly became DeSales University.
   Currently, DeSales has a total enrollment of over 3,000 traditional, 
graduate and evening students and nearly 1,600 full-time undergraduate 
students. The school offers 41 majors and 31 minors and boasts over 100 
faculty members.
   DeSales plays an integral role in the Lehigh Valley's educational 
network and within the community. DeSales' graduates have enjoyed 
tremendous success across the fields of business, medicine, philosophy, 
literature, science and teaching.
   It is my pleasure to congratulate the students, alumni, faculty and 
staff of DeSales University as they celebrate their 50th Anniversary. 
It is my hope that a future member of this House will be able to enter 
a congratulatory record on their behalf fifty years from now as well.

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