[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 158 (Monday, September 14, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E837]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING THE STATE ACCREDITATION OF MADERA COMMUNITY COLLEGE CENTER

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 14, 2020

  Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the state 
accreditation of Madera Community College, which becomes the 116th 
campus of the state's community college system. It is the newest 
college in California.
  In 1958, State Center Community College District began offering 
classes at Madera High School with 158 students enrolled in 19 evening 
classes. In 1989, the Madera Community College Center was then 
relocated and established in a portable building at James Madison 
Elementary School.
  Throughout the years, the institution has grown and expanded by 
establishing buildings, laboratories, food services, large instruction 
classrooms, vocational training courses, certifications and offering 
more than 360 courses. In fall 2009, the Center for Advanced 
Manufacturing (CAM) was established to offer mechanic and welding 
programs. Recently, the college added the Center for Agriculture and 
Technology (CAT) which provides laboratory, vocational training 
programs and various agriculture programs in plant science, agriculture 
mechanics, industrial maintenance and welding.
  Because of the leadership of then Chancellor Dr. Bill F. Stewart and 
Vice Chancellor of External Relations Dr. Tom Crow, a donation of 114 
acres was made by local landowners to establish the expanded current 
campus. Today, Madera Community College Center serves more than 6,123 
students, with comprehensive and innovative programs in transfer/
general education, occupational education, distance learning courses, 
online learning and developmental education. The Center continues to 
provide an affordable, quality education for the residents of Madera 
County and nearby communities in the San Joaquin Valley.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing this 
historical moment and the success of the Madera Community College. This 
could not have been possible without the dedication and contributions 
of their staff, faculty, administrators and community leaders. I look 
forward to seeing the future achievements and success of our students, 
the leaders of tomorrow.

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