[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 17]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 24124]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                 TRIBUTE TO DR. ROBERT C. MESSINA, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JIM SAXTON

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 10, 2007

  Mr. SAXTON. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of an 
extraordinary gentleman whom I have known personally for two decades. 
On September 15, 2007, Dr. Robert Messina, Jr. will be celebrated for 
his 20 years of Visionary Leadership at the Burlington County Community 
College in Mount Laurel, NJ.
  Dr. Messina has been instrumental in the expansion of the Burlington 
County College community. While upgrading and constructing new 
buildings at the main campus in Pemberton, Dr. Messina saw an 
opportunity to truly push the College to the next level. He was 
steadfast in obtaining land for a brand-new, state-of-the-art second 
campus, located in Mount Laurel. The College and local community has 
enjoyed the use of six permanent buildings, including a corporate 
training facility and conference center, known as The Enterprise 
Center.
  The College has expanded not only physically, but academically, as 
well. Dr. Messina implemented stimulating new programs that keep trend 
with today's industry demands. This new curriculum boasts Digital Media 
and Graphic Design, Biotechnology, Human Services, and several 
information technology certification programs that firmly cement 
Burlington County College as a leader in higher education for the 
twenty-first century.
  To further reach out and benefit the surrounding Southern New Jersey 
community, Dr. Messina devotes his free time to the betterment of his 
neighbors. In the past, he has served on the national, regional, and 
local levels. He currently sits on the boards for the Deborah Heart & 
Lung Center, the Virtua Hospital Audit/Corporate Compliance Committee, 
and is a member of the Virtua Ambulatory Board. Nationally, Dr. Messina 
served two terms as the President of COMBASE, a Cooperative for the 
Advancement of Community-Based Postsecondary Education, and is a former 
board member of the American Association of Community Colleges.
  Madam Speaker, Dr. Messina's infectious enthusiasm and abiding 
loyalty to his students is only surpassed by his genuine desire to 
embrace and enhance the community around him. As he celebrates 20 years 
of Visionary Leadership at Burlington County College, I would like to 
extend my sincere gratitude for his leadership, commitment, and 
service.

                          ____________________