[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 16978]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     BRONX COMMUNITY COLLEGE (BCC))

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 7, 2009

  Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the 
opportunities Bronx Community College (BCC) has afforded its students 
for over half a century. This week, the New York Carib News acknowedged 
the most recent graduation at the school with a story in its June 23, 
2009 edition entitled the ``Spirited Commencement on Historic Field.'' 
For the graduation, thousands gathered on Ohio Field to watch BCC's 
graduating class of 2009 receive their degrees. Dedicated to serving 
its students through academics, leadership, and a commitment to 
service, BCC has done a remarkable job of producing talented 
individuals from all backgrounds. Approximately fifty-five percent of 
graduates are first generation college students and twenty-five percent 
balance school with work and family lives. Even more significant is the 
forty-four percent of students who come from households with an income 
of less than $15,000 per year. Bronx Community College is doing 
extraordinary things for a culturally diverse population of students, 
and deserves to be recognized for its years of commitment to this 
initiative.
  This year, BCC graduated approximately 1,000 students who were 
prepared to enter the work force to begin careers in areas from medical 
office technicians to students who will receive full scholarships to 
complete their studies at four-year undergraduate institutions. Not 
only does such success among its students provide BCC with a strong 
alumni base, it also sets an incredibly strong example for both youth 
and adults in the surrounding area who have ever had doubts about their 
abilities to advance their education. The beauty of this institution is 
that it cultivates the dreams of those who want better careers and 
lives for themselves and their families. The Bronx Community College 
welcomes untraditional paths to education, and provides its students 
with the resources, motivation, and encouragement to succeed.
  The continued pursuit of education and personal advancement even in 
such challenging economic times speaks volumes to the commitment of the 
Bronx Community College. This school confirms the validity of such 
public institutions and deserves to be recognized as a force of 
motivation in the Bronx community and a source of inspiration for 
anyone who dreams of succeeding.

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