[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 19]
[Senate]
[Page 26505]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                 RECOGNIZING GOVERNORS STATE UNIVERSITY

 Mr. BURRIS. Mr. President, 40 years ago, just a few miles 
south of Chicago, a brand new public university first opened its doors 
to an incoming class of students. The school was designed to reflect 
the core values of higher education, but in an innovative, 
nontraditional way. To bring exceptional undergraduate and graduate-
level academics to a diverse student body, and to extend the benefits 
of a quality education beyond the walls of the college classroom.
  This week, as Governors State University observes its 40th 
anniversary, I am pleased to join the students, alumni, administration, 
and faculty in celebrating the continued success of their fine public 
institution.
  Since its inception, the Governors State community has grown and 
developed into an educational and cultural center of Illinois. And even 
as the university looks back with pride on the last 40 years, they 
recognize that the best way to celebrate their past is by looking to 
the future.
  I would like to commend Governors State University for its indelible 
contributions to the quality of higher education in Illinois, and its 
continuing leadership in this field. Their evolving vision continues to 
inspire thousands to enroll every year. Their commitment to excellence 
has touched the lives of generations of students.
  And with the recent creation of a doctoral program in physical 
therapy, Governors State continues to expand its reach and broaden its 
horizons.
  I am proud to join Governors State University in celebrating its 
first 40 years as a bastion of the Illinois educational community. And 
I have no doubt that as we look ahead to the next 40 years, this fine 
institution will continue to lead the way.

                          ____________________