[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 14]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 19297]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




       CONGRATULATING SAN JACINTO COLLEGE ON ITS 50TH ANNIVERSARY

                                  _____
                                 

                            HON. PETE OLSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 8, 2011

  Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate San Jacinto 
College on its fiftieth anniversary. For fifty years, San Jacinto 
College has provided high quality education to the citizens and 
communities of East Harris County, Texas. Congratulations to San 
Jacinto College for a wonderful half-century of empowering students to 
achieve their goals.
  San Jacinto College first opened its doors on Sept. 18, 1961, in a 
downtown Pasadena storefront, with an initial enrollment of 700 
students. Thanks to their passion for helping students succeed, the 
college has grown to serve more than 30,000 students in 140 
disciplines, and it continues to expand.
  A leader in comprehensive learning, San Jacinto College recently 
earned recognition for being a veteran friendly college and was named 
an Achieving the Dream Leader College. This establishment plays a 
critical role in improving the educational experience of the hard 
working citizens in our communities.
  Access to quality education is an important stepping stone to achieve 
the American dream of a better life. San Jacinto College provides a 
valuable opportunity for people throughout our communities to access 
higher education. As President Kennedy once said, ``Our progress as a 
nation can be no swifter than our progress in education. The human mind 
is our fundamental resource.''
  The achievements of San Jacinto College bring pride to Houston and 
all of Texas. Congratulations to San Jacinto College for fifty years of 
excellence and to a bright future ahead.

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