[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 11]
[House]
[Pages 15623-15626]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




         CONGRATULATING MIAMI DADE COLLEGE ON 50TH ANNIVERSARY

  Ms. WATSON. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to 
the resolution (H. Res. 1571) acknowledging and congratulating Miami 
Dade College on the occasion of its 50th anniversary of service to the 
students and residents of the State of Florida, as amended.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

[[Page 15624]]



                              H. Res. 1571

       Whereas Miami Dade College opened its doors in 1960 as an 
     institute of higher learning for the residents of Miami-Dade 
     County, Florida;
       Whereas the College became the first integrated junior 
     college in the State of Florida, leading the way for other 
     institutions to adopt policies of offering a higher education 
     to persons of all races and ethnicities;
       Whereas the College has the most diverse student 
     populations in the United States with students from 178 
     countries, speaking 86 languages;
       Whereas the College has one of the largest enrollments of 
     all colleges and universities in the United States;
       Whereas the College offers more than 300 major areas of 
     study, providing educational and workforce opportunities for 
     students seeking associate and bachelor's degrees, as well as 
     short-term certifications in critical areas of study;
       Whereas the College provides an affordable, comprehensive 
     higher education to individuals of all incomes and 
     backgrounds;
       Whereas 55 percent of students attending the College 
     receive Pell Grants;
       Whereas 52 percent of students are the first in their 
     families to attend college;
       Whereas the College ranks first in the United States in the 
     amount of Pell Grant funds awarded to public colleges and 
     universities;
       Whereas the College is one of only 40 community colleges 
     nationwide to be named to the President's Higher Education 
     Community Service Honor Roll;
       Whereas the College is a leader in cultural programming;
       Whereas the College's Miami International Book Fair is the 
     largest literary event in the United States;
       Whereas the College's Miami International Film Festival is 
     world renowned;
       Whereas the College is the home of the National Historic 
     landmark Freedom Tower;
       Whereas the College adheres to its guiding principle to 
     change lives through the opportunity of education; and
       Whereas 2010 marks the 50th anniversary of the 
     establishment of Miami Dade College: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives acknowledges 
     and congratulates Miami Dade College on the occasion of its 
     50th anniversary of academic excellence and service to the 
     residents of the State of Florida.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from 
California (Ms. Watson) and the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Bishop) each 
will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from California.


                             General Leave

  Ms. WATSON. Madam Speaker, I request 5 legislative days during which 
Members may revise and extend their remarks, and insert extraneous 
material on House Resolution 1571 into the Record.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentlewoman from California?
  There was no objection.
  Ms. WATSON. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 1571, 
which celebrates Miami Dade College on the occasion of their 50 years 
of service in higher education to the residents of the State of 
Florida.
  In 1960, Miami Dade first opened its doors under the name Dade County 
Junior College. By 1967, the college was the largest institution of 
higher education in the State of Florida. Today, Miami Dade College 
boasts eight campuses and the largest public institution of higher 
education in the Nation, welcoming nearly 170,000 students annually. 
The college offers more than 300 major areas of study to its students, 
and as of 2003, began offering bachelor's degrees in addition to 
associate's degrees. Miami Dade College has awarded more associate's 
degrees than any college in the United States.
  Miami Dade College also has a rich history of diversity. The college 
became the first integrated junior college in the State of Florida, and 
now has students from 178 countries speaking 86 languages. The college 
ranks first in the United States among public colleges and universities 
for the number of Pell Grant recipients in attendance. At Miami Dade 
College, 61 percent of students are from low-income families, and 52 
percent are the first in their families to attend college. The college 
also contributes to the region's cultural landscape via the nationally 
acclaimed Cultura del Lobo Performance Series and the Miami 
International Film Festival, both of which provide student artists with 
unique learning opportunities.
  Additionally, the annual Miami Dade International Book Fair is the 
largest literary event in the United States. Does this have something 
to do with the college? Not clear from the name.
  Furthermore, Miami Dade College has consistently worked to produce 
students with skills in high demand by local and regional employers. 
The Emerging Technologies Center of the Americas at Miami Dade College 
works to prepare students for careers in information technology and 
telecommunications. This center's state-of-the-art 40,000-square-foot 
facility at the Wolfson campus houses 19 multimedia classrooms and labs 
equipped with high-end computers, specialized equipment, and simulation 
workstations.
  The students, faculty, and staff at Miami Dade College have much to 
be proud of as they remember and celebrate the rich cultural and 
academic history of their institution over the past half-century. I 
once again express my support for House Resolution 1571 and 
congratulate Miami Dade College on its 50th anniversary. I thank 
Representative Ros-Lehtinen for bringing this resolution forward.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. BISHOP of Utah. Madam Speaker, before I give my comments on this 
particular resolution, I wish to yield such time as she may consume to 
the sponsor of this resolution, as well as probably the most famous 
alumnus from Miami Dade College, the gentlelady from Florida (Ms. Ros-
Lehtinen).
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. I thank the gentleman for the time, and I also want 
to thank Ambassador Watson for her comments on this wonderful 
institution.

                              {time}  1510

  Madam Speaker, as a former Florida certified teacher, as a former 
educator and as an alum of Miami Dade College, I am so proud to be here 
on the floor, congratulating Miami Dade College on its 50th 
anniversary. I am proud to say that my father and my brother are also 
graduates of this fine institution. I am infinitely grateful for the 
education that I received from the excellent professors at Miami Dade 
College, and I am sure that I would not be in the same position here 
tonight were it not for this excellent education.
  Miami Dade College has been an essential part of South Florida for so 
many years--for 50 years since it was first established in 1960. By 
1967, Madam Speaker, the college had become the largest institution of 
higher education in the State of Florida. It built upon this 
foundation, and it is now the largest institution of higher education 
in the United States, serving nearly 170,000 students every year. That 
is just phenomenal. It has enrolled more than 2 million students to 
date, and it employs more than 6,000 faculty and staff. Half of the 
students have been the first in their families to attend college.
  Madam Speaker, you can imagine how proud those family members are at 
every graduation that they can say that someone from their family has 
graduated college.
  Not surprisingly, it is home to one of the most diverse student 
populations, with students from 178 countries, speaking 86 different 
languages. Miami Dade College has managed to do all of this while 
maintaining an affordable and accessible course of study for students 
of all incomes, and it has been instrumental in the development and 
success of so many in our community and throughout the United States.
  Equally impressive, Madam Speaker, is the fact that more than a third 
of its students are nontraditional. That is, they are older. They are 
working adults who are looking to further their education or to, 
perhaps, retrain for the jobs that are in demand now and in the future.
  The college is an icon. It is central to the educational, economic, 
social, and cultural fabric that is exciting South Florida, including 
hosting the Nation's largest literary gathering, the Miami Book Fair 
International. It also hosts the Miami International Film Festival, and 
is home to the national historic landmark, the Miami Freedom Tower,

[[Page 15625]]

and to many programs that serve as the region's arts anchor.
  A large part of Miami Dade College's success is due to its dynamic 
president, Dr. Eduardo J. Padron, who is also a graduate of Miami Dade 
College. Dr. Padron is widely recognized as one of the top educational 
leaders in the world. His time with Miami Dade College has been defined 
by growth, trailblazing academic and cultural programs, greater access, 
and student success. He has produced impressive results in student 
access, retention, graduation, and overall achievement. President 
Padron has truly made a positive difference in the lives of so many 
individuals, and we must commend him for all that he continues to do in 
support of his college, our college, as this college is a part of our 
community and our Nation.
  So, Madam Speaker, with that, I urge all Members to please vote in 
favor of this legislation, congratulating one of America's finest 
academic institutions, Miami Dade College, for its 50th year of 
providing quality education for all.
  Thank you for the time, the gentleman from Utah, and thank you as 
well, Madam Ambassador, for sponsoring this bill.
  Ms. WATSON. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. BISHOP of Utah. I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Madam Speaker, I rise to support House Resolution 1571, acknowledging 
and congratulating Miami Dade College on the occasion of its 50th 
anniversary of service to the students and residents of Florida.
  Miami Dade College was founded in 1960, 50 years ago. Only half a 
decade later, the college had increased its enrollment by 300 percent. 
As has been mentioned, as the first racially integrated junior college 
in Florida, Miami Dade College provided an education to all area 
residents who wanted to better their lives and further their education. 
Today, almost 100,000 students are enrolled on the eight campuses year 
round, and if you count part-time students, it increases that number 
significantly. MDC is now the largest institution in the Florida 
college system, and it works to educate a diverse student population by 
offering 300 majors and by providing an affordable education to 
students from all backgrounds.
  The college holds several annual events that benefit both students 
and members of the community. The Miami Dade College's Miami 
International Book Fair and the Miami International Film Festival are 
two such events that are nationally and internationally renowned.
  I congratulate Miami Dade College for 50 years of excellence in 
higher education, and I wish all of its faculty, staff, students, and 
alumni continued success.
  I ask my colleagues to support this resolution.
  Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to 
honor and congratulate Miami-Dade College on the occasion of its 50th 
anniversary. Since opening its doors in 1960, it has served as an 
exemplary institution of higher learning for the residents of Miami-
Dade County. A leader among Florida's institutions, it became the first 
integrated junior college giving students of all races and ethnicities 
the opportunity to seek a higher education. Since implementing these 
policies, it has maintained its commitment to diversity, boasting a 
student population hailing from 178 countries.
  Miami-Dade College's diversity extends to its broad areas of studies 
offering more than 300 major areas of study and a variety of degrees. 
Offering students associate, bachelor's degrees, and short term 
certificates, the Miami-Dade College has the largest enrollment of any 
college or university in the United States, and has awarded more 
associate degrees than any other college.
  Miami-Dade College also stands out by offering an affordable, 
comprehensive, education to individuals of all incomes as well as 
backgrounds. Thirty-nine percent of its student body, lives below the 
Federal poverty level and 61 are defined as low income. Speaking to 
Miami-Dade College's commitment to students in low-income families, it 
currently receives the highest number of Pell Grant awards. South 
Florida, which, I am honored to represent, owes a debt to Miami-Dade 
College for providing quality affordable education to our community. It 
is an honor to represent Miami-Dade College and again I congratulate it 
on its 50th anniversary.
  Mr. MICA. Madam Speaker, I wanted to join others in extending my 
congratulations to Miami Dade College on its 50th anniversary.
  For half a century, Miami Dade has been providing outstanding 
opportunities in education to the students of the State of Florida. As 
a 1965 graduate of Miami Dade College, I am proud to recognize the 
service and accomplishments of this great institution of higher 
learning.
  Since opening its doors in 1960, Miami Dade College has helped make 
affordable quality education to the residents of Florida. We salute the 
past successful 50 years and the faculty and staff that make this a 
great educational institution.
  At the Federal, State and local levels, we must remain committed in 
our support of higher education, especially at our colleges and 
universities in Florida.
  Miami Dade College has made dreams come true for its graduates, many 
whom are the first in their families to attend college. Miami Dade has 
helped thousands achieve success in all walks of life. Having the 
largest enrollment of any college or university in the United States, 
the college has granted more associate degrees than any other college 
in the United States. Miami Dade College is also the premier college in 
providing education underserved minorities and low income families.
  As a proud alumnus, I look forward to a bright future for my alma 
mater, Miami Dade College. I know it will be a leader in education for 
many future generations.
  Mr. MEEK of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H. 
Res. 1571, which acknowledges and congratulates Miami Dade College on 
the occasion of its 50th anniversary. Miami Dade College has a rich 
history in educating a diverse student population and continues to be a 
leader in expanding access to college for all those in South Florida, 
and the nation who wish to attend. I commend my colleague, Rep. Ros-
Lehtinen for introducing and bringing this legislation to the floor.
  Miami Dade College has always been a leader in opening doors to 
students. When it started in 1960, Miami Dade College was the first 
integrated college in the State of Florida. It led the way for other 
colleges to adopt more inclusive recruitment and acceptance policies 
and to help expand education opportunities to minorities and the under-
served. Now, Miami Dade College educates more than 160,000 students 
from across the world every year, and is the largest and most diverse 
institute of higher learning in the United States.
  At a time when we need to expand college opportunities and compete on 
a global level, Miami Dade College continues to lead the way, bringing 
access to non-traditional and non-legacy students. Fifty two percent of 
its students are the very first in their families to attend college, 
creating a new generation of college graduates. The school ranks first 
in the nation in the number of Pell grants awarded, with 39 percent of 
its students living below the poverty line, yet its students continue 
to not only excel, but to give back to the community in impressive 
numbers. Miami Dade College is one of only 40 community colleges to be 
named to the President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll, 
recognizing the school's commitment to, and achievement in community 
service.
  I applaud Miami Dade College's commitment to access, quality and 
service and the efforts of its leaders, like President Padron. I would 
like to wish Miami Dade College a happy 50th, and all the success for 
years to come. I ask that you and my distinguished colleagues join me 
in recognizing the hard work of the school and congratulating it on 50 
years.
  Mr. BISHOP of Utah. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my 
time.
  Ms. WATSON. Madam Speaker, I urge the House to support House 
Resolution 1571. It is a fine piece of legislation. Again, I would like 
to congratulate Miami Dade College on its 50th anniversary.
  With that, Madam Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I 
yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentlewoman from California (Ms. Watson) that the House suspend the 
rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 1571, as amended.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds 
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
  Ms. WATSON. Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the 
Chair's prior announcement, further

[[Page 15626]]

proceedings on this motion will be postponed.

                          ____________________