[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 114 (Tuesday, July 12, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E712]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      HONORING THE GRAND REOPENING OF THE MORRIS LAWRENCE BUILDING

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                          HON. DEBBIE DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 12, 2022

  Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the grand 
reopening of the Morris Lawrence Building on the campus of Washtenaw 
Community College in Ann Arbor, Michigan. This special occasion and 
Washtenaw Community College's nearly 60 years of educating and 
enriching our community is worthy of commendation.
  This building is named after Dr. Morris J. Lawrence, an influential 
musician, and former Washtenaw Community College jazz orchestra 
instructor. Dr. Lawrence made a tremendous impact on his students and 
our community with his teaching and his music, and this building was 
dedicated to him shortly after his passing in 1993. A native of New 
Orleans, Louisiana and a gifted musician, Dr. Lawrence started 
composing music in high school. He studied instrumental music at Xavier 
University of Louisiana, and after graduation moved to Ann Arbor to 
teach band at St. Thomas High School. He later became the director of 
music at the school and began teaching at Washtenaw Community College--
all while working on his doctorate at the University of Michigan. A 
legendary teacher who touched the lives of so many, he wrote forty band 
compositions, sixty-four dance orchestra pieces, and four string 
quartets before the age of 30.
  The reopening of the Morris Lawrence building follows an eight-month 
closure for renovation and upgrades. The building includes a 495-seat 
auditorium and is a hub for the creative arts student community. The 
remodeled Morris Lawrence Building and its new technological 
advancements will allow Washtenaw Community College to provide many 
years of quality education to present and future students. A new eco-
friendly energy system, fast high-speed internet, and other welcoming 
amenities are among the new features that will enrich the student 
experience and reinforce a positive learning environment. Founded in 
1965, Washtenaw Community College enrolls nearly twenty thousand 
students annually and offers over one hundred degree or certificate 
programs in numerous subject fields. The college has partnerships with 
local and national businesses as well as the University of Michigan and 
Eastern Michigan University to help their students follow any path they 
choose.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Washtenaw 
Community College on this special day as the ribbon is cut at the 
entrance of the renovated Morris Lawrence Building. We are grateful to 
President Rose Bellanca and the Board of Trustees for their commitment 
to making Washtenaw Community College a fantastic place to learn and 
grow for Washtenaw County students of all ages. This new and improved 
creative arts facility will be an asset to the college and to the 
greater Washtenaw community for years to come.

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