[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 208 (Wednesday, December 9, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1119]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     RECOGNIZING SOUTH TEXAS COLLEGE PRESIDENT DR. SHIRLEY A. REED

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                           HON. HENRY CUELLAR

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 9, 2020

  Mr. CUELLAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor South Texas College 
Founding President Dr. Shirley Reed. Dr. Reed has retired after more 
than 26 years serving as the founding President of South Texas College.
  I first met Dr. Shirley Reed in the middle of a dusty field in Rio 
Grande City for the groundbreaking of South Texas College's Stan County 
campus. Even though the wind was raising the dust and getting into our 
eyes, both of us were excited about the opportunities this new campus 
would bring for students and our community. Dr. Reed invited me to 
speak at this groundbreaking ceremony because as Chairman of the 
Education Subcommittee on Appropriations in the Texas State 
Legislature, I secured funding for fast-growing colleges throughout 
Texas, including South Texas College. Since then, we have been working 
together to fund projects that advance access to quality education for 
the people of South Texas.
  South Texas College was founded back in 1993 and Dr. Reed was 
selected as its founding President. At that time, it was known as South 
Texas Community College and had about 1,000 students enrolled. However, 
through her steady leadership it grew into a multi-campus college with 
an enrollment of just under 30,000 students. It is also recognized as 
the only community college in the State of Texas to offer 5 
baccalaureate degrees. This was all accomplished despite the 
considerable doubt and obstacles that she faced when she was working 
towards her vision for the school. Now, she is a source of inspiration 
and a reminder of what can be accomplished through hard work and 
dedication.
  I want to congratulate Dr. Reed on her tenure at South Texas College. 
Her passion, hard work, and leadership has created a revered education 
institution, driving regional and economic prosperity in the region. As 
we move forward, let us take the time to appreciate President Reed and 
all the educators who dedicate their lives to preparing the next 
generation for their futures. However, in the words of President John 
F. Kennedy, ``As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that 
the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.''
  Madam Speaker, it is my honor to recognize the career and service of 
Dr. Reed.

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