[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 46 (Wednesday, March 23, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E373]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN RECOGNITION OF THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF WASHTENAW COMMUNITY COLLEGE

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                          HON. DEBBIE DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 23, 2016

  Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 50th 
anniversary of Washtenaw Community College in Ann Arbor Michigan.
  Washtenaw Community College is a pillar of higher education in 
Michigan's 12th Congressional District and has helped make an 
affordable education possible for countless individuals and their 
families for half a century. Each year, more than 18,000 students 
register for classes to say nothing of the thousands who take advantage 
of their Economic and Community Development classes--non-credit courses 
designed to provide professional development and personal enrichment 
for citizens throughout Washtenaw County and beyond.
  Since 1966, this institution has stood as a symbol of hope in our 
community. It has provided its students, many of whom are immigrants, 
with the opportunity to quite literally achieve the ``American Dream'' 
through the education and skills needed to not only enrich themselves, 
but also to become vital members of our workforce. Diversity is 
celebrated here with students from over 100 foreign countries 
comprising its student body.
  As many of us already know, the effects of globalization have made 
our local workforce far more competitive. Since its formation, 
Washtenaw Community College has provided the instruction needed for 
students to enroll in programs that are important to Michigan's future. 
In the 1970's, Washtenaw Community College developed programs in 
manufacturing, automotive service, culinary arts, and business. Today, 
the school has adapted to the ever-changing demands of the job market 
by adding computer science, pharmacy tech, robotic and national trade 
programs.
  Today, while our lives have become more and more complicated, higher 
education has become a basic necessity for success. Aside from its 
affordability and high-quality course offerings, Washtenaw Community 
College places great emphasis on convenience by offering more than 100 
programs and approximately 1500 classes each year--seven days a week, 
at night and online. In addition to their academic programming, 
Washtenaw Community College was one of the first colleges to recognize 
the changing dynamics of our economy by offering daycare services, 
making education a possibility for many working moms and families.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in congratulating 
Washtenaw Community College for its fifty years of leadership in 
helping shape and prepare the next generation of workers, business 
people and civic leaders in my district. We thank you for your 
willingness to think outside the box, for your flexibility and for your 
vision, and we look forward to another 50 years when we can celebrate 
your Centennial.

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