[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 11]
[Senate]
[Pages 15705-15706]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     NORTHAMPTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE

 Mr. CASEY. Mr. President, today I commend Northampton 
Community College on the groundbreaking of its new $72 million Monroe 
County Campus. This undertaking will expand and improve educational 
opportunities for countless students for generations to come. It is a 
notable achievement that has been made possible through the 
persistence, dedication, and cooperation of a committed group of 
faculty, staff, and administrators at Northampton Community College.
  Northampton's newest campus, which impressively spans over 200,000 
square feet, includes a workforce development training center, an 
enrollment center building, and a student life building. Given our 
country's current economic climate and staggering unemployment rate, 
what Northampton Community College has managed to accomplish today is 
nothing short of remarkable.
  Northampton Community College is a public, comprehensive community 
college that serves more than 36,000 students per year with its main 
campus in Bethlehem, PA. Currently, there are more than 16,000 students 
enrolled in their credit programs and an additional 21,000 who are 
involved in workforce training, adult literacy, or youth classes.
  This new campus in Monroe County highlights Northampton's dedication 
to Pennsylvania and higher education in America. Northampton's strong 
commitment to preparing its students for the demands of today's economy 
is reflected in the new campus. Their new workforce training center is 
forecasted to train 1,000 new, incumbent, and displaced workers in the 
first 5 years of its existence. Northampton also offers many degree 
programs specifically designed to meet the needs of industries in the 
region. In 2012 it is estimated to create 541 new jobs, $15.9 million 
in new economic revenue activity, and $2.8 million in tax revenue.
  Northampton continues to lead the pack in higher education and has 
proven to be a model for community colleges across the country. The 
faculty, staff, and administration, under the leadership of President 
Art Scott, put students first. This new campus is evidence of this 
institution's steadfast commitment to preparing students for

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the 21st century economy. I could not be more pleased and honored to 
recognize such an exceptional educational accomplishment and ask that 
you would join me today in celebrating along with Northampton Community 
College.

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