[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 195 (Thursday, November 30, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1624]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  CONGRATULATING DR. BETTIE TRUITT ON HER RETIREMENT FROM BLACK HAWK 
                                COLLEGE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. CHERI BUSTOS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 30, 2017

  Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Dr. Bettie 
Truitt on her retirement from Black Hawk College in Moline, Illinois. 
For 29 years, Dr. Truitt has demonstrated a strong commitment to 
education. She has influenced the lives of thousands of students over 
the course of her career, and her efforts have resulted in many 
improvements to the college and the surrounding community.
  Dr. Truitt began her distinguished career at Black Hawk College in 
1989 as an instructor in the Mathematics Department, and she has held 
various academic and administrative positions in the following years. 
In 2007, Dr. Truitt began working as Dean for Instruction and Student 
Services, and was promoted to Executive Vice President in 2012. She has 
served as President of Black Hawk College since 2014. Dr. Truitt played 
an instrumental role in expanding the programs offered at Black Hawk 
College. This included the opening of a $13 million Health Sciences 
Center at the Quad Cities Campus in Moline and a $6.9 million 
Veterinary Technology Center at Black Hawk College's East Campus in 
Galva. Dr. Truitt also made a significant impact on Black Hawk 
College's transfer program, which allows students to seamlessly 
transfer the college credit that they earned affordably at the 
community college to any participating four-year college.
  Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to recognize Dr. Bettie Truitt for her 
commitment to inspiring the next generation of students. Dr. Truitt has 
undoubtedly made a difference in the lives of her students, and her 
retirement will be a significant loss to Black Hawk College and the 
community. I congratulate her on a well-earned retirement and wish her 
the very best in her future endeavors.

                          ____________________