[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 96 (Tuesday, June 6, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E767-E768]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   IN RECOGNITION OF THE 50TH COMMENCEMENT OF SPRINGFIELD TECHNICAL 
                           COMMUNITY COLLEGE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. RICHARD E. NEAL

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 6, 2017

  Mr. NEAL. Mr. Speaker, on June 1st, I had the honor to address 
Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) class of 2017 as their 
commencement speaker. In my speech below, I explained to the students, 
faculty, and families assembled that a quality education and working 
together toward a common purpose, you can accomplish great outcomes 
even in challenging moments. I want to thank President John B. Cook for 
his gracious introduction and commend him on his outstanding leadership 
as STCC celebrates their 50th anniversary. I also want to particularly 
recognize the over 1000 students of the graduation class of 2017 on 
completing this important step in their education. I wish them all the 
best in their future endeavors.
  ``Good evening President Cook, parents, friends and guests. And of 
course Springfield Technical Community College class of 2017. Or as you 
are affectionately known in our community in the highest regard--STCC. 
We define community as a place where no one is to be abandoned and no 
one is to be left behind.
  I am honored to have been chosen to deliver the commencement address 
for STCC's 50th commencement--or as your neighbors on Federal Street, 
Merriam-Webster, would say, your `quinquagenarian.'
  The story of STCC begins with the decision of Secretary of Defense 
Robert McNamara to close the Springfield Armory. In history, it was 
known as the arsenal at Springfield. Established by General George 
Washington and administered by his trusted aide General Henry Knox. The 
college is located on at least three historic sites--the Knox Trail, 
Ben Franklin's mail route, and the site of Daniel Shays Rebellion which 
helped bring about the establishment of the United States Constitution, 
of which the convening is 230 years old as of last Thursday.
  However, when Secretary McNamara announced his decision to close the 
Armory, he waived off the emotion and sentiments of the day and stood 
firm in his determination. Consternation, and some even predicted, 
calamity, would be the result of the Secretary's decision.
  A sense of despair settled in with the loss of hundreds of 
manufacturing jobs. A polarizing debate began over whether or not to 
use the site in an attempt to secure a different commercial purpose or 
to use the site for education. Today, coincidentally, both missions 
have been accomplished. A reminder, once again, that in every crisis 
there is opportunity.
  The dream began with the vision of Edmund Garvey, who had been the 
principal of Springfield Trade High School. A decision was reached to 
build an addition to Trade High School, which would be called 
Springfield Technical Institute. Edmund Garvey's concept would be 
championed by other notables in our community including then-
Springfield Mayor Charles V. Ryan (who actually handed me my high 
school diploma), Joseph Deliso, a prominent titan of industry, and 
Representative Anthony M. Scibelli, Chairman of the House Ways and 
Means Committee.
  Refusing to be turned back by the usual voices and forces of 
pessimism and doubt, with alacrity and unyielding determination, they 
created the only technical community college in Massachusetts. Recall 
that it was also another native son of Springfield, Governor Foster 
Furcolo (whose father's doctor's offices still stand on south Main 
Street) to create the community college system in Massachusetts.
  This evening, we acknowledge their conceptualization. How simple but 
how important--provide education to students in the community so that 
they might see beyond themselves and give back to humanity.
  They predicted the best way to accomplish that goal was to provide a 
quality education that can translate into opportunity and the dignity 
that comes with a good job. And not just any job--one that supports our 
security, our healthcare, our infrastructure, and our social needs.
  Although their focus was to create a technical community college, 
they did something else along the way: they knew how to get a big idea 
accomplished.
  Opportunity is still the theme that is much woven into the fabric of 
this college's culture. The grounds the community college stands on 
today has been part of our community for more than two centuries, where 
it once housed soldiers, guardsman and industrial might. Today it is 
home to optimism and determination.
  There were strong disagreements at the time among community members 
as to what to do with this historic site. Persistence, patience and 
positivity was the foundation of STCC's birth.
  In hindsight, the founder's unwavering courage was both warranted and 
wise. Compromises were reached and with the help of Congressman Edward 
P. Boland, my predecessor, the decision was made to establish next to 
the Community College a national historic site, ``The Springfield 
Armory'' which today is visited by tens of thousands of people. It is 
the home to the famous gun rack immortalized in Longfellow's poem.
  This 50th anniversary is a great example of how we work with our 
colleagues, community leaders and peers to accomplish extraordinary 
outcomes that help to lift the clouds of despair. Much of this was 
accomplished in the

[[Page E768]]

crucible of public life. And remember, as these founders understood, 
democracy is supposed to be noisy. But then we move to the next plane 
of achievement. Just as Holmes said, it is conflict that is the core of 
life, but it is cooperation that brought about this outcome.
  As the Democratic leader of the Ways and Means Committee, I work 
closely on policies that directly impact our economy and America's 
middle class: trade, health care, taxes and Social Security. One of our 
tasks is to take on the issues that will have far reaching consequences 
on the United States economy, revising the tax code and our nation's 
trade policies to provide greater opportunity for those of you 
assembled here this evening. I can assure you that the degree you 
receive tonight is more critical than ever. While we speak of income 
inequality, and greater concentration of wealth in America, we also 
should be reminded that the unemployment rate among college graduates 
in America today is under 4%.
  Our economy has undergone major transformations. It has created 
companies that are highly competitive in the global marketplace. 
Unfortunately, our workforce has not always adapted and too many 
workers have been left behind. Globalization, skill-set, decline of 
private sector unionism and technological advances have been 
contributing factors in this. It has created what we know today as a 
``skills gap.'' Companies have well-paying jobs to fill, but eager 
workers simply don't have what's needed to qualify for the 650,000 
technology jobs available even as we convene this evening. Your 
accomplishment tonight will be critical to closing the skills-gap and 
provide incentive to employers for people who want work. And people 
want to go to work!
  The education you received at STCC has emphasized the marriage of 
training and education. It has set you on a course for good jobs that 
are desperately needed and are an important part of economic policy 
debates. While state and local leaders hammer out policies that have 
direct ties to jobs, there needs to be a parallel discussion with 
community colleges and employers so we can make these policies a 
reality. Whatever the education challenges we face--economics and 
socialization--community colleges will be a profound part of the 
answer. We can pass all the infrastructure and health packages in the 
world, but if there aren't workers to carry out those policies, we 
would have accomplished little. Right here in New England, a recent New 
England Council/Deloitte Study estimates that over the next decade 
20,000 precision manufacturing jobs could go unanswered.
  There needs to be a serious discussion--not excitable language--
between employers, community leaders and our workforce. Community 
colleges can provide the bridge between an eager, willing, gifted 
workforce and employers desperate for skilled employees. A commitment 
from them to invest in technical and community colleges and 
apprenticeship programs is an important first step. Institutions like 
STCC can design curriculum and internship programs to ensure students 
can receive the skills and education they need that employers are 
seeking.
  But in order to provide these classes, internships and 
apprenticeships, the private sector and Congress need to work together 
to provide incentives similar to the Community College Partnership Tax 
Credit, which would provide employers with a tax credit for hiring 
community college graduates. This would encourage business engagement 
in the community and provide students with opportunities to find good 
paying jobs upon graduation.
  Experience always informs our judgement. It will help shape your 
understanding and ultimately encourage others to enter the world you 
plan to thrive in. On a personal note, let me tell you bluntly, the 
world responds more to aspiration than it does to grievance. Be proud 
of your accomplishments and your work. I tell you this: your talent, 
skill, and achievements are as important if not more to federal, state 
and local policy discussions.
  Let me acknowledge the faculty this evening. You lend experience and 
teaching talents to help students reach their potential. And as I have 
always noted, when you reach your potential, your potential expands.
  Today's economy is certainly complex. The conversation between our 
workforce and employers requires serious commitment to our community 
college system. As you move forward into the next step of career 
choices or additional education, accept the challenge you so proudly 
have earned to see your ambition as central to the new economy. Stay 
engaged. We need your voice and your talent.
  Have a dream, but have a plan. The STCC founding and experience was 
born in doubt. But on this 50th anniversary, STCC has risen to become 
an extraordinary achievement because the founders had a dream and they 
had a plan. I mentioned earlier the site on which STCC sits has been 
home to events that have shaped world history. General Washington 
shaped history; General Knox shaped history; Ben Franklin shaped 
history; Daniel Shays shaped history; the Springfield Rifle shaped 
history; John Garand's invention shaped history. STCC has shaped 
history and tonight your pledge should be to shape history, too.
  Thank you President Cook, the Board of Trustees, the faculty, and the 
students at STCC. And of course, your families who helped make this 
evening possible. You say it best--STCC works. Congratulations from the 
United States of America.''

                          ____________________