[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 16]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 21924]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




      HONORING THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY COLLEGE

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 29, 2005

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate San Joaquin 
Valley College on the celebration of their 20th Anniversary.
  San Joaquin Valley College deserves to be commended for its 
dedication to maintaining a quality educational environment for all of 
the students on its various campuses. The college has made enormous 
progress within its twenty-year history. San Joaquin Valley College has 
advanced from a student body of less than 20 and a staff of only 11 to 
having over 660 students with a faculty of over 100 employees.
  San Joaquin Valley College was founded in 1985. From their humble 
beginning, the college has always put their students first. They offer 
degree and certificate programs in business, medical, and technical 
fields. The college has ever increasing programs to fit the needs of 
their students. They are also committed to providing the best of both 
general and vocational education. From 1985 to present, San Joaquin 
Valley College has graduated over 8,400 students from their Fresno 
campus alone.
  In 1995 San Joaquin Valley College became regionally accredited by 
the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. The college makes sure 
to stay involved with the community. The Fresno Campus of San Joaquin 
Valley College is a strong partner in the local community, receiving 
numerous awards and recognition from some of the following 
organizations: The Mayor's Office for the Fresno Dental Assistants, the 
California State Job Training Coordinating Council for Outstanding 
Service Provider, the Community Appreciation Award from the United Way 
of Fresno County, American Red Cross and so many other noteworthy 
organizations.
  For the past 20 years San Joaquin Valley College has created superior 
learning standards that can only be described as life changing by all 
of their graduates. They offer small classes, a family-like atmosphere, 
flexible class schedules, hands-on training, financial aid 
availability, as well as job placement assistance. San Joaquin Valley 
College provides quality education in order to produce quality 
potential employees.
  We stand to commend San Joaquin Valley College as an excellent 
educational provider and applaud their efforts to strengthen our 
community.

                          ____________________