[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 200 (Thursday, December 22, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Page S10080]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                RECOGNIZING HIGHER EDUCATION IN VERMONT

  Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, I rise today to celebrate the incredible 
institutions of higher education in my home State. Like many 
Vermonters, I was the first in my family to attend college--I chose a 
small, liberal arts, Catholic college--Saint Michael's College in 
Colchester, VT. St. Mike's, as it is affectionately called, was a home 
away home for me during some of my most formative years. It was there 
that I met my wife Marcelle, received my B.A. in government, and from 
where I left to receive my JD from Georgetown University Law Center.
  Higher education is a path out of poverty and towards personal and 
professional growth for so many Americans. When those who choose to 
seek higher education, are able to do so--everyone succeeds. Throughout 
my 48 years in the Senate, I have worked to increase access to higher 
education through programs such as TRIO, the Public Service Loan 
Forgiveness Program, Pell grants, and Federal Work-Study. I know how 
important these programs are because I am a product of a quality 
Vermont education. Each year, thousands of students attend Vermont 
colleges and universities. My alma mater, St. Mike's, is not the only 
quality school--but one of many.
  The University of Vermont, founded in 1791, is a public land-grant 
research university that has championed agricultural, opioid-misuse, 
rural development, and medical research, among many other fields of 
study. I have been honored to be one of UVM's biggest fans and 
supporters in Congress. Throughout his tenure, President Garimella has 
been an incredible partner of mine and Marcelle, and I look forward to 
spending more time with him and his wife in Burlington.
  Another legendary institution is the Vermont State College system. 
Today, it is comprised of several outstanding institutions: Castleton, 
Northern Vermont University, VT Tech, and Community Colleges of 
Vermont. Each of them in their own right have made a name for 
themselves through great strides in nursing and teaching workforce 
development, creating high-technology manufacturing jobs, rethinking 
remote learning, and expanding opportunity for mid-career learners.
  I recognize that the future of higher education is often disputed. 
What does it offer young people in the face of uncertainty and economic 
insecurity? The cost of higher education has ballooned and has become 
out of reach for too many families. Higher education's intent has 
become lost. Higher education--college or university--should never be a 
prerequisite to a job that supports one's family.
  However, higher education--such as the extension program at UVM or 
the language programs at Middlebury College--provide the tools to 
better understand our complex and constantly changing universe. They 
provide a challenge to get to know ourselves better and a community to 
sustain us.
  I rise today to honor one of the places, one of the communities that 
first raised me, gave me a home, and a purpose. From my time travelling 
throughout the State, I have met Vermonters who are cybersecurity 
experts, doctors, researchers, mechanics, arborists, and teachers. Many 
of them, like me, were the first in their family to seek continuing 
education and many have told me that they never could have imagined 
this bright of a future.
  I am confident that long after my tenure in the Senate, Vermont 
colleges and universities will continue to provide a home, challenge, 
and pathway to the future for Vermonters and students from around the 
world.

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