[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 66 (Thursday, April 28, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E625]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING THE CAREER OF JOAN EASTLUND

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. CHERI BUSTOS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 28, 2016

  Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Joan Eastlund 
on her retirement from Black Hawk College in Moline, Illinois. For 37 
years, Joan has demonstrated a strong commitment to education and 
activism, influencing the lives of thousands of students throughout her 
career. In fact, Joan has served as a mentor and inspiration to several 
staff members in my office.
   Joan began her distinguished career at Black Hawk College in 1979, 
where she helped former manufacturing workers train for new careers. As 
a professor of Political Science, Joan introduced thousands of students 
to politics, inspiring many to pursue careers in the field themselves. 
To many students, Joan has been far more than just an educator, but 
also an incredible mentor and role model. She has shown her students 
the importance of fulfilling their civic duties, serving their 
communities, and working to advance causes that truly better our 
country.
   In addition to her work as a professor, Joan has been an active 
figure in the fight for women's equality. She is a founding member of 
the Quad-Cities chapter of the National Organization for Women, a group 
dedicated to supporting women's rights all across the United States. 
During the 1970s and 1980s, Joan joined thousands of other activists as 
they marched to support landmark legislation to advance women's rights 
and equality.
   Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to recognize Joan Eastlund for her 
commitment to inspiring the next generation of students and women in 
our region. Joan has undoubtedly made a difference in the lives of her 
students, and her retirement will be a significant loss to Black Hawk 
College.
   I congratulate her on a well-earned retirement and wish her the very 
best in her future endeavors.

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