[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 153 (Thursday, September 13, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1252]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING DR. MICHAEL A. BASTON

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. NITA M. LOWEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 13, 2018

  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Michael A. Baston 
on his inauguration as Seventh President of Rockland Community College 
(RCC) in Suffern, N.Y. on September 13, 2018.
  Dr. Baston began his career as a public interest lawyer, representing 
educational and social justice organizations and this work led him to 
pursue a career in academia. He joined RCC from LaGuardia Community 
College in Queens, part of the City University of New York, where he 
held several key leadership positions, including Vice President for 
Student Affairs and Associate Provost. Known for his work in 
integrating student success initiatives to advance college completion 
through guided pathways, Dr. Baston also helped grow LaGuardia's grant 
funding with a special focus on diverse and underserved student 
populations.
  During his distinguished career, Dr. Baston's work has been featured 
in the Chronicle of Higher Education, Atlantic, Diverse Education, 
Community College Times, Education Advisory Board, MSNBC, and Handbook 
for Student Affairs in Community Colleges. Dr. Baston was selected as a 
member of the inaugural class of Aspen Institute Presidential Fellows 
for Community College Excellence where he explored systemic issues 
impacting the educational access pipeline and student success.
  He holds a BA from Iona College, a JD from Brooklyn Law School, and 
an EdD from St. John Fisher College. Named by Diverse Issues in Higher 
Education magazine among the most Notable Education Leaders of 2017, 
Dr. Baston is an extraordinary man whose dedication and determination 
have inspired all who know him.
  Mr. Speaker, Dr. Baston's numerous accomplishments have left a 
lasting impact on the communities he has served and he has pledged to 
broaden the scope, reach and influence of RCC in the years ahead. I 
urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the extraordinary 
leadership and vision of Dr. Michael Baston and to welcome him to 
Rockland Community College.

                          ____________________