[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 14]
[Senate]
[Pages 18631-18632]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING THE UNIVERSITY OF REDLANDS

 Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, today I recognize the University of 
Redlands. This academic year, the university celebrates its 100 
anniversary.
  The University of Redlands was originally chartered in 1907 on a 
tract of donated land by individuals associated with the American 
Baptist Church. It admitted its first student in September 1909 and in 
1910 proudly celebrated its first graduating class of three students. 
Throughout the next century, the University of Redlands has become a 
preeminent institution and today celebrates a century of contribution 
and service through education.
  With today's growth in population, there is an ever-present strain on 
our Nation's university systems and the ability of students to receive 
meaningful direct contact with university faculty. The University of 
Redlands has successfully maintained personal instruction throughout 
the years and continues today to maintain a student to faculty ratio of 
12 to 1. There are currently over 200 full-time faculty and a core of 
200 adjunct faculty who are selected for their expertise and experience 
in their fields. Throughout these past 100 years, the university has 
also maintained a high level of faculty quality, with 88 percent of the 
full-time faculty holding a Ph.D. or terminal degree.
  The University of Redlands has successfully met the ever-changing 
needs of a diverse population. Over one-third of the university's 
students are members of historically underrepresented groups, and the 
student body represents all corners of the world and draws students 
from across the United States. Most recently, the entering class of 
2006 saw 40 percent of its students from outside of the State of 
California.

[[Page 18632]]

  The university's success contributes significantly to the growth of 
the local community. Its faculty and staff make the University of 
Redlands one of the largest employers in the region, helping to 
maintain a strong local economy. In the past decade, the university has 
invested over $140 million in its physical plant, employing many local 
craftsmen and laborers. In addition to investing in the local economy 
and construction, the university invests significantly in its students, 
with over $28 million of university funds budgeted for need-based, 
merit-based or talent-based awards. This contribution has produced an 
alumni which has made a lasting impact on America, with 45,000 alumni 
currently contributing to the betterment of society throughout the 
world.
  The University of Redlands' commitment to community outreach is seen 
most noticeably in its students' service and contributions. Over 80,000 
community service hours are provided annually by University of 
Redlands' students to help meet local, national and international 
needs. Meeting these needs has been a fundamental tenet in the 
university's educational philosophy for many years, as it was one of 
the first educational institutions in the Nation to require community 
service as a condition for graduation.
  On its centennial, the University of Redlands looks back on a proud 
history of growth and contribution in inland California and the world. 
I applaud the service and dedication of the faculty, staff, and 
students of the University of Redlands as they celebrate 100 years of 
improving lives and education.

                          ____________________