[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 15]
[Senate]
[Page 21653]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                             RAMAPO COLLEGE

 Mr. CORZINE. Mr. President, I honor today Ramapo College and 
welcome its new president, Dr. Rodney Smith.
  As those of us in New Jersey have known for many years, Ramapo's real 
strength lies not just in its academics, but also in its emphasis on 
global and hands-on learning. In recent years, this fine institution 
has also become nationally recognized as one of the top liberal arts 
colleges in the northeast, offering degrees in fields as diverse as the 
arts and humanities, and the sciences and business. Ramapo's reach 
extends far beyond its Mahwah, NJ, location. The strength of Ramapo's 
academic reputation attracts students seeking a varied and quality 
education--students from not only every county within my home State of 
New Jersey, but also from neighboring states, across the country and 
around the world.
  On November 14, 2001, Dr. Smith will offer his first State of the 
College to the students, faculty and friends of Ramapo College. 
Accepting this prestigious post as Ramapo's third president, Dr. Smith 
joins the college at an exciting time in its history. With enrollment 
and applications continuing to rise, the college continues to grow, 
both in the number of programs it offers and the number of students it 
serves.
  An accomplished author and educator, Dr. Smith joins Ramapo College 
from Hampton University, where he served in several capacities, most 
recently as Vice President for Planning and Dean of the Graduate 
College. Prior to his tenure at Hampton university, Dr. Smith held 
positions at a number of esteemed institutions, including Harvard 
University. As we enter into a new century and mark the beginning of 
the College's fourth decade, Ramapo can be confident in Dr. Smith's 
ability to lead, guiding one of New Jersey's premier colleges in its 
present course of providing progressive programs and a concerned and 
committed faculty.
  Mr. President, I am pleased to invite my colleagues to join me in 
celebrating Dr. Smith's distinguished career and his future endeavors 
at Ramapo College.

                          ____________________