[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 90 (Thursday, May 23, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E558]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         CELEBRATING THE BICENTENNIAL OF THE CITY OF ANN ARBOR

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                          HON. DEBBIE DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 23, 2024

  Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the City of Ann 
Arbor on the 200th anniversary of its founding. The contributions its 
residents have made to the State of Michigan and to the Nation over the 
last two centuries are worthy of commendation.
  Originally the Village of Annarbour, this community was named after 
the wives of its two founders, who were both named Ann, and was also 
inspired by the large forest in the area. Founded in 1824, historic Ann 
Arbor predates the establishment of the State of Michigan by thirteen 
years.
  Ann Arbor is home to one of the most prestigious universities in the 
world: The University of Michigan. The University of Michigan was 
originally established in 1817 as Catholepistemiad Michigania in 
Detroit, then a fledgling capital of the Territory of Michigan, and 
later relocated to Ann Arbor in 1837. Since its founding, the 
university has brought defining cultural, economic, and intellectual 
growth to greater Ann Arbor. The students, staff, and faculty come from 
all 50 American states and over 100 countries globally, contributing to 
the worldly and diverse culture of this community. In addition to its 
numerous accolades for its academic prestige, University of Michigan 
Athletics continues to make Ann Arbor proud. Just this past January, 
the University of Michigan Football Team defeated the Washington 
Huskies, bringing a national championship title back to Ann Arbor for 
the first time since 1997.
  It is not just the University of Michigan that makes Ann Arbor 
special. The cultural and religious diversity of the city has been a 
source of strength and has also led to Ann Arbor being the site of many 
monumental political and civil rights activities. From traditional 
denominations to more contemporary organizations, there is something 
for everyone in this vibrant city. Beth Israel, one of the oldest 
synagogues in the state, was founded in 1916. The city was also the 
home of the first meetings of the Students for a Democratic Society in 
1960, a national student activist group. That same year, President John 
F. Kennedy set in motion the development of the Peace Corps on the 
steps of the Michigan Union. In 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson gave 
his ``Great Society'' speech at the University of Michigan's 
commencement. In 1965, the city was the location of the first American 
``teach in'' in protest of the Vietnam War.
  Ann Arbor has long been known as a hotbed for technological 
innovation and start-ups. The International Radio Corporation, 
established in Ann Arbor in 1931, was responsible for the first mass-
produced AC/DC radio as well as the Argus C3, one of the top-selling 
cameras in history. ProQuest, founded in 1938 as University Microfilms, 
has been at the forefront of the preservation of documents for research 
purposes since their founding. Thomas Knoll, an Ann Arbor native, 
created Adobe Photoshop in 1987 while completing his Ph.D. at the 
University of Michigan. Duo Security, a leader in two-factor internet 
security, was founded in 2009. Presently, Ann Arbor is host to over 20 
video game and XR studios of varying sizes and hosts monthly meetings 
of the International Game Developers Association. Ann Arbor is also 
home to many nationally and internationally recognized businesses like 
Domino's Pizza, one of the largest pizza brands in the world.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in celebrating the 
City of Ann Arbor on the occasion of their bicentennial. For the past 
200 years, Ann Arbor has stood as a beacon of progress, diversity, and 
excellence. From its humble beginnings to its current status as a 
thriving and exemplary city, this milestone is a testament to their 
commitment to innovation, education, and community. We are excited to 
see what the residents of Ann Arbor can accomplish in the years to 
come.

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