[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 62 (Monday, April 6, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E301-E302]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING THE COLLEGE OF MARIN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JARED HUFFMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 6, 2026

  Mr. HUFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the College 
of Marin on the momentous occasion of its centennial anniversary and in 
appreciation for a century of quality education provided to the 
communities of Marin County and the Bay Area.
  Over the last 100 years, College of Marin has served as a cornerstone 
of higher education in Marin County, providing accessible opportunities 
to students of diverse social and economic backgrounds. Founded in 1926 
as the Marin Junior College, the school was the product of a Tamalpais 
Union High School District college initiative supported by the San 
Rafael High School District and established by popular vote. The 
Tamalpais Union High School District leased the 13-acre Butler tract in 
Kentfield, establishing the campus, which would grow into more than 400 
acres across multiple campuses.
  The Marin Junior College's first class of 87 students began with six 
faculty members in 1926 under the leadership of president A.C. Olney. 
Throughout the 1930s, the campus grew, acquiring more property and 
continuing to expand its arts and athletics programs. During World War 
II, Marin Junior College offered military support and training, 
including courses at the Hamilton Army Airfield. In 1948 it was renamed 
the College of Marin. Responding to growing national interest in more 
comprehensive, personalized education, the College began a new 
expansion initiative in the 1960s. By 1962, enrollment had grown to 
2,500 students and in 1971, the school established its Indian Valley 
campus in Novato.
  Today, the College of Marin offers 469 degrees and certificates. This 
includes their workforce development programs that support employment 
in critical, high-demand fields like healthcare and skilled trades. The 
school continues to adapt and innovate to provide programs best 
tailored to support a diversity of students, including undocumented, 
first generation, and older adult students. College of Marin also 
boasts the highest transfer acceptance rate for the University of 
California Berkeley with approximately 40 percent of applicants 
admitted in the past two years. Beyond its students, the school's 
impact on California's economy is undeniable, including providing 
nearly 800 jobs and $9 million in tax revenue.
  The College of Marin has been a pioneering institution in our region, 
renowned for its strong dedication to student success and equity for 
decades. The College of Marin Foundation offers over 150 scholarships 
annually and last year announced the establishment of the Jay Pritzker 
Foundation Centennial Endowment Fund, a $20 million fund to support 
students' critical non-tuition related expenses,

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including healthcare, childcare, computers, and food.
  A vital institution of higher learning for the Bay Area, the College 
of Marin is worthy of the highest commendation. Mr. Speaker, please 
join us in recognizing the College of Marin on the occasion of its 
100th anniversary and offering the College our best wishes for another 
century of success.

                          ____________________