[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 136 (Friday, August 16, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1057-E1058]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING CHANCELLOR DOROTHY LELAND

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, August 16, 2019

  Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Chancellor Dorothy 
Leland on her last day as Chancellor of the University of California, 
Merced. Chancellor Leland leaves a legacy of leadership and advocacy.
  After earning her bachelors, masters, and PhD from Purdue University, 
Chancellor Leland began an impressive career in academia and became the 
President of Georgia College & State University in 2004. Though she had 
planned to retire in that job, she answered the call to serve as UC 
Merced's chancellor in 2011 because she was intrigued about leading a 
young university.
  When Chancellor Leland arrived at UC Merced, the university lacked 
the resources and infrastructure present at more established schools 
and California's education budget was still severely impacted by the 
recession. Chancellor Leland rose to these unique challenges and 
envisioned the 2020 Project: one that brought together $1.3 billion of 
state and private funding to significantly increase the size of campus 
and provide the necessary facilities to support the longterm growth of 
this premier 21st century research university.
  Upon completion, the 2020 Project will add classroom space, student 
housing, student life facilities and more labs that will further the 
University of California's mission to improve and advance society 
through research. The changes will accommodate 10,000 students.
  Chancellor Leland has been an outspoken advocate for underserved 
student populations during her tenure. UC Merced is a minority-majority 
campus-many students are the first in their family to attend college. 
Under her leadership, UC Merced has implemented programs and 
initiatives to support these students. Chancellor Leland has championed 
the campus's Dreamers and has even traveled to Washington, D.C. to 
advocate on their behalf.
  As the leader of the UC's newest campus, Chancellor Leland has 
fostered relationships to ensure UC Merced's positive impact on the 
future of the San Joaquin Valley. Under her guidance, the university 
has increased its visibility in the Merced community with its Downtown 
Campus Center, which opened in early

[[Page E1058]]

2018, and has strengthened its partnerships with the National Parks 
Service.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring a true 
pioneer in higher education who has paved the way for the successful 
future of UC Merced and the San Joaquin Valley. I am proud to join 
Chancellor Leland as University of California Merced celebrates her 
legacy and opens Phase Two of the 2020 Project.

                          ____________________