[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 5]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 6317]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING WATKINS COLLEGE OF ART DESIGN AND FILM ON 125TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MARSHA BLACKBURN

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 26, 2010

  Mrs. BLACKBURN. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in 
congratulating Watkins College of Art, Design and Film as they 
celebrate their 125th anniversary.
  What began as a vision to offer art education to the Mid-South 
community, came into being 125 years ago, emerging today as Watkins 
College of Art, Design and Film. Namesake of entrepreneur and 
philanthropist Samuel Watkins, Watkins College opened its doors in 1885 
as Nashville Art Association and began to offer instruction in visual 
arts. Always one step ahead of the cultural needs of the 20th century, 
the school assisted immigrants in becoming active members of society, 
gave women opportunities to enter the workplace with confidence and 
skill, and offered returning servicemen completion of their high school 
degrees.
  With approval from the Tennessee Higher Education Commission in 1977, 
Watkins became a full college offering associate degrees in fine art 
and interior design. Adding the Watkins Film School in 1997, and 
Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees in photography, graphic design and fine 
art in 2007, Watkins College of Art, Design and Film continues to lead 
the way in artistic movements and education.
  Watkins College offers hands-on curriculum, academic roots, and 
award-winning faculty. Alumni of Watkins College of Art, Design and 
Film go onto successful careers in their fields. Alumni hold LEED 
certifications, are small business owners, designers of sacred spaces, 
makers of film, leaders in their communities, and protectors of art. I 
am proud of my association with Watkins College and look forward to the 
many successes of the next 125 years.
  I congratulate Watkins College on their rich and impactful history 
and ask my colleges to join me in honoring Watkins College of Art, 
Design and Film on their 125th anniversary.

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