[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 187 (Monday, October 25, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1140]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         CELEBRATING TEXAS SOUTHMOST COLLEGE'S 95TH ANNIVERSARY

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                           HON. FILEMON VELA

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 25, 2021

  Mr. VELA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Texas Southmost 
College (TSC) as they celebrate their 95th anniversary, making it the 
oldest institution of higher learning in the Rio Grande Valley.
  Texas Southmost College is the first accredited community college in 
the State of Texas. Originally named The Junior College of the Rio 
Grande Valley, TSC was established on August 9, 1926, with 84 students 
attending the first classes held on September 21, 1926. In 1931 it was 
renamed Brownsville Junior College, before its final renaming to Texas 
Southmost College in 1949. After a 20-year partnership with University 
of Texas at Brownsville, TSC's Board of Trustees voted to re-establish 
the college as an independent institution in 2011 and it was operating 
independently by 2013. The campus, spanning over 48 acres, is located 
in Brownsville, Texas on the historic site of Fort Brown, the first 
United States military post in the state.
  TSC was selected as a ``Bright Spot'' by the White House Initiative 
on Educational Excellence for Hispanics in 2015 for its efforts to 
bridge the achievement gap and expand access to quality higher 
education. In addition to offering high-quality programs that lead to 
careers that are in demand, TSC is the most affordable institution of 
higher learning in the Rio Grande Valley, thanks to TSC's Board of 
Trustees decision in 2013 to reduce tuition by 40 percent. TSC 
currently offers two-year academic credential progression in over 50 
programs of study for students pursuing bachelor's degrees, and career 
and technical education leading to industry certifications and 
associate degrees. They also offer dual-credit academic, career, and 
technical courses at no cost to students, saving families in the Lower 
Grande Valley $28 million in tuition and related fees since 2017.
  In 2018, TSC earned the designation of fastest-growing community 
college in the state of Texas, and their graduation rate now outpaces 
the Texas state average by more than three percent. The Board of 
Trustees, along with TSC President Jesus Roberto Rodriguez, Ph.D., 
continue to set goals to ensure the long-term viability of the 
institution with a focus on fostering student success, leading regional 
workforce development, enriching student experiences, enhancing 
community connections, and investing in each other.
  Texas Southmost College prides itself on fostering a welcoming 
environment and a sense of belonging for all. Madam Speaker, I ask my 
colleagues to join me in congratulating TSC on 95 years of invaluable 
service to the Lower Rio Grande Valley. Through education, community 
outreach and the promotion of individual success, Texas Southmost 
College continues to strengthen the state of Texas' prosperity and 
talent.

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