[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 157 (Friday, September 27, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1227]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     RECOGNIZING INDIANA UNIVERSITY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SUSAN W. BROOKS

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 27, 2019

  Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor my alma 
mater, Indiana University, as we recognize and celebrate the 
Bicentennial Anniversary of this hallowed institution. As a beacon of 
world-class academic excellence, Indiana University has given the world 
a multitude of dynamic and impactful leaders in a vast array of 
disciplines. Both the United States and the international community 
have benefited from the influence of the legions of Indiana University 
alumni spanning the globe.
  Shortly after gaining statehood, the Indiana General Assembly passed 
legislation mandating the creation of a state seminary institution in 
1820. By 1822 construction on the earliest Indiana State Seminary 
buildings was underway in Bloomington, Indiana. In 1828, the State 
Seminary would be renamed Indiana College. Under the early leadership 
of inaugural President Andrew Wylie, whose term lasted from 1829 to 
1851, the institution in Bloomington expanded its educational 
curriculum and transformed from Indiana College to Indiana University 
in 1829. Under the leadership of President David Starr Jordan, who 
served from 1884 to 1891, Indiana University saw major increases in 
enrollment, with the institution of the elective system. This 
multiplied the education offerings and solidified Indiana University's 
reputation as one of the premiere educational institutions in the 
United States.
  As Indiana University closed out the 19th century, it became a leader 
in making higher education more accessible. As early as 1867, it became 
one of the earliest public universities in the country to admit women 
on an equal basis with men. Throughout the 20th century, Indiana 
University experienced massive changes under the direction of legendary 
President Herman B. Wells whose term lasted from 1938 to 1962. Total 
enrollment surpassed the 30,000 student threshold. Much of this 
increase coincided with the new opportunities available to military 
veterans as a result of the G.I. Bill. Guided by the leadership of 
President Wells, the university pursued an effort to become one of the 
foremost internationally recognized centers for research and 
scholarship. This expansion based a greater emphasis on academic 
research in many different areas of study leading to further 
advancements in the understanding of both our natural world and the 
human condition.
  Through these past 200 years, Hoosier students have displayed their 
excellence in the academic, athletic and cultural arenas, amassing 
numerous Rhodes Scholar, Marshall Scholar, and MacArthur Fellow honors 
in the classroom, as well as multiple Big Ten Conference and NCAA 
Championships in Men's and Women's sports. Over the last 200 years many 
notable Hoosiers have left their mark on our society. The university 
has produced world political leaders, cabinet members, titans of 
industry and commerce, cutting-edge scientific researchers, artists, 
Olympians, musicians, and entertainers.
  In addition to the world-renowned undergraduate opportunities 
available at Indiana University, there are also over 400 graduate 
degrees and certificates that Indiana University offers students. Many 
of Indiana University's graduate schools have become industry leaders 
in the areas of medicine, law, business, music, media, education, 
politics, and the arts. The alumni of the graduate schools have also 
had a long and integral hand in the development of Indiana's well 
respected public and private sectors. The impact of research conducted 
by post-graduate students and faculty at Indiana University has been 
felt throughout the world, benefiting untold millions.
  Now well into the 21st century, Indiana University, under the 
direction of the 18th President Michael McRobbie, has continued its 
steadfast charge to be a national leader in public education. Guided by 
President McRobbie, the university has undergone the largest academic 
restructuring in its history, leading to the creation of 10 new 
schools. Indiana University has also been dutifully supported by the 
many Indiana Governors and Indiana General Assembly Members over the 
past two centuries. Hoosier lawmakers continue to further the Indiana 
University commitment of providing students a world-class education.
  Over 690,000 students and alumni of the 9 campuses throughout the 
State of Indiana have been well served by forward-thinking university 
administration officials. The Board of Trustees, Chancellors, 
Administration, Faculty, and Alumni Association members have been 
integral to the immense academic and educational footprint that Indiana 
University has developed and maintained. This leadership has allowed 
Indiana University to develop over 16 schools and 550 individual degree 
programs, keeping Indiana University on the cutting edge of student 
development and academic excellence.
  I join all current and former Hoosiers in wishing our beloved alma 
mater a happy Bicentennial Anniversary. Hail to Old I.U.

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