Office of Governmental Affairs

REMARKS SUBMITTED TO THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD BY MEMBERS OF CONGRESS HONORING PENN STATE'S SESQUICENTENNIAL

Congressman Mike Doyle (PA-14)

(Penn State Class of 1975)

July 6, 2004 -- Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join in this special order commemorating the 150th anniversary of the founding of Penn State University. As a proud alumnus of Penn State University, I can attest to the quality of education offered by this outstanding institution of higher learning.

Beginning like so many other state universities as a school to provide an education in farming and agricultural science to the citizens of Pennsylvania Ð which, by the way, is still one of its important missions - the Agricultural College of Pennsylvania in Centre County, Pennsylvania, grew rapidly and has educated thousands of Americans over the last 150 years.

Today, The Pennsylvania State University boasts 20 branch campuses across the commonwealth and offers a full range of undergraduate majors and graduate degrees, as well as a college of medicine and a highly respected law school. In fact, many of Penn State's grad schools are considered among the nation's top ten in their fields. It has an enrollment of over 80,000 students each year, and it is considered one of the premier research universities in the nation. I might add that it also has one hell of a football team, which has been led to many victories over the years by its legendary coach, Joe Paterno.

I look back fondly on my years in State College as some of the best years of my life. I received a world-class education at Penn State between 1971 and 1975, and I also had a pretty darned good time on campus.

Consequently, I am proud to mark this milestone in the life of my alma mater by participating in this special order commemorating the 150th anniversary of the founding of this remarkable institution of higher learning. I can't wait to see what Penn State and its alumni achieve in the next 150 years.

Thank you.

Congressman Tom Feeney (FL-24)

(Penn State Class of 1980)

Tuesday, July 6, 2004 -- Mr. Speaker, in 1854, a young and dynamic America witnessed several historic events. The Republican Party was organized. Commodore Matthew Perry signed a treaty opening Japan to American trade. And Penn State University was founded.

Penn State was at the forefront of the uniquely American practice of widespread higher educational opportunity. In 1863, Penn State became one of the first two land grant educational institutions. Penn State now includes over 20 campuses with 83,000 students.

Penn State is nationally known for its athletic triumphs. More importantly, it has affirmed the value of the scholar-athlete. Penn State graduates its athletes at rates substantially higher than fellow Division I schools. It's no accident that Penn State's library is named for its beloved Joe Paterno while its sports arena is named for a former Penn State president.

Penn State consistently demonstrates its prowess in the sciences and engineering. My district's Kennedy Space Center has launched four Penn State alums into space including Guion Bluford, the first African American to fly into space. Penn State ranked ninth in university patent recipients in 2002. Several Penn State graduate schools rank in U.S. News and World Report's top ten.

But alumni are the real interpreters of Penn State. 466,000 serve as teachers, farmers, physicians, lawyers, artists, scientists, engineers, and yes even Congressmen and women.

So this Penn State alum sends his congratulations to Penn State for its sesquicentennial.

Congressman James C. Greenwood (PA-8)

July 6, 2004 --Mr. Speaker, since its inception 150 years ago as a pioneering land grant college located in an area now known to millions as "Happy Valley," the Pennsylvania State University has come to the forefront of American collegiate academic and athletic achievement by doing things honorably and exceptionally . . . by doing things "The Penn State Way."

Today, Penn State still maintains their commitment to providing premier agriculture science education while expanding their national prominence in the areas of engineering, business, architecture, meteorology, social sciences, arts, and communications. Penn State's 24 campus locations boasts an unprecedented 83,000 undergraduate, graduate, law and medical students that have the opportunity to take 11,300 courses in 180 degree majors! With so many scholastic avenues worth pursuing and exploring, Penn State provides every undergraduate student with a well-balanced education through their extensive general education requirements. However, Penn State's educational leadership far exceeds the boundaries of the classroom through their distance education and state-wide agricultural extension programs.

If you have ever talked to a Penn State alumnus - and with 1 in 720 Americans holding a Penn State degree, it isn't hard to find one, it will take just a moment for them to envelop you with their enthusiastic love for the Nittany Lions. As Americans we have all benefited in one way or another from either a Penn State alumnus, or Penn State research guided achievement. Imagine what our lives today without the only FDA approved heart pump, the electron microscope, the screenplay to "Casablanca" or a Fischer Price toy. In addition to the hundreds of my constituents graduating from Penn State every year, I have been able to personally benefit from Penn State's outstanding academic programs through the knowledge that was imparted to my current staff, Judy Borger, Amanda Murphy, and Jeff Urbanchuk, and to former staff member Sara McGraw.

If you are lucky enough to visit, it can take as little as a walk through Old Main lawn while enjoying a scoop of Peachy Paterno ice cream from the Creamery, or sitting among 108,000 of your closest friends in Beaver Stadium watching the Marching Blue Band perform their signature "Floating Lions" drill to perfection, to understand why Penn State has the largest alumni association in the world . . . because once you've experienced Penn State, you will never want to let go.

For years, Penn State has built a reputation of integrity, respect, and competitiveness in their nationally-renowned programs in fencing, gymnastics, women's volleyball, women's basketball, soccer, and swimming - while more importantly serving as a shining example to other universities by putting the student before the athlete.

And then there's the football. One cannot talk about Penn State's history and achievements without acknowledging the 53 years of unmatched leadership from Joe Paterno- a truly great example of what it means to be Penn State proud. Under his watchful eyes, Penn State has become a national powerhouse in men's college football, accruing 2 national championships and 5 undefeated seasons. However, when asked about his most important successes, Mr. Paterno will not quote these figures for you, nor will he mention that he is one of the most winning coaches in NCAA history, because the most important figure to Mr. Paterno is his teamÕs graduation rate- with over 80% of Penn State football players graduating within 6 years, well above the national average.

Even if a student hasn't experienced the pride of playing in the nameless blue and white uniforms, or enjoyed a Saturday afternoon at Beaver Stadium cheering on the team with their friends - every Penn State student has benefited from Mr. Paterno's generosity and philanthropy as he contributed significant funds to an addition of the library that was completed in 2000, and was instrumental in raising more than a billion dollars for the university in only 5 years.

Happy 150th Birthday, Penn State . . . may we all be united in our own personal efforts to stand for your admirable principles and in that respect we will all be able to say, WE ARE . . . PENN STATE!

Congressman Tim Holden (PA-17)

July 9, 2004 -- Mr. HOLDEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Pennsylvania State University on its 150th year serving the citizens of Pennsylvania and beyond. As the Commonwealth's only land grant institution, Penn State has played a vital role over the years in promoting agricultural and scientific research, workforce development, education, as well as many other initiatives; fulfilling the mission that Congress laid out in The Morrill Act of 1862.

Since its founding in 1854, Penn State has proven to be a leading institution of higher learning. The most recent U.S. News and World Report survey of graduate schools ranks a number of programs at Penn State among the nation's top ten, encompassing a wide array of subjects ranging from nuclear engineering to vocational/technical education.

Penn State has also continued to be a leader in Pennsylvania's largest industry: Agriculture. The University has a long history of innovations in this field, beginning in 1861 when it was the first American institution to confer baccalaureate degrees in agriculture. Today, Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences continues to lead the way in agricultural research and promotion through such programs as the Penn State Cooperative Extension, a number of international exchange programs, and the Penn State Agricultural Council. As a member of the House Agriculture Committee, I have seen first hand the exceptional work that College of Agricultural Sciences does and the services it provides to Pennsylvania's farmers.

Penn State University is also nationally recognized for the exceptional research and patient care provided at the College of Medicine, located in my Congressional District in Hershey, PA. This includes the recent partnership with the National Naval Medical Center to conduct cancer research. This joint venture will lead to important new advances in discovery, early detection, evaluation, treatment and prevention of cancer that will benefit both the military and civilian population. The Penn State College of Medicine has demonstrated great benefits to the local community as well as the state in general. According to a recent study, the College of Medicine has generated nearly $35 million in state tax revenue and created more than 13,500 jobs both directly and indirectly. In a state that has recently experienced a lack of new and competitive jobs, the value of this cannot be overstated.

Mr. Speaker, over its 150-year history, the Pennsylvania State University has proven to be an invaluable asset not only to Pennsylvania, but also to the entire nation as well. I'm extremely proud to have three Penn State Campuses located within my Congressional district. I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in congratulating the Pennsylvania State University as we celebrate its 150th Anniversary.

Congressman Paul E. Kanjorski (PA-11)

July 6, 2004 -- Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak in support of the resolution congratulating the Pennsylvania State University on its 150th Anniversary and reaffirming its designation as a land grant university.

On February 22, 1855, Pennsylvania Governor William Pollock signed the charter that created what eventually became The Pennsylvania State University. Penn State will be celebrating its 150th Anniversary from July 1, 2004 to June 30, 2005. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Penn State on its achievements over the years. In addition, I would also like to recognize the importance of the branch campuses to the success of Penn State University.

Initially a small college dedicated to the study of scientific agriculture, Penn State was designated the Commonwealth's sole land-grant institution in 1863. In 1874, the Agriculture College of Pennsylvania became the Pennsylvania State College and in 1954 became the Pennsylvania State University.

Currently, Penn State has an enrollment of 83,000 students, which consists of individuals at the main campus in University Park, the 20 branch campuses, located across Pennsylvania and students at the College of Medicine, the Dickinson School of Law and the Pennsylvania College of Technology. As a result, 1 in every 8 Pennsylvanians with a college degree attended the Pennsylvania State University.

In particular, I would like to take this opportunity to commend the branch campuses in my district for the role they play in educating Penn State students. There are three branch campuses located in my district: Penn State Hazleton, Penn State Wilkes-Barre and Penn State Worthington-Scranton. These branch campuses came about in the 1930Õs when students could no longer afford to travel away from home to college because of the Depression.

Since then, these branch campuses have evolved, offering the four-year bachelor degrees, associates degrees and a wide range of continuing education classes to students in our area. In addition, the branch campuses offer certificates and professional development credits. As a result, many businesses in my area encourage their employees to take classes at the branch campuses. The branch campuses, therefore, have not only increased the educational attainment level of the workforce in my district, they have also helped promote economic development in the region.

Over the next year, the Pennsylvania State University will mark its anniversary with series of special events highlighting the achievements of the university. I wish them well over the next year and in the years to come as they continue to provide quality education to students in Pennsylvania.

Congressman Joseph R. Pitts (PA-16)

Tuesday, July 6, 2004 -- Mr. Speaker, Pennsylvania State University is among the most recognizable institutions of our state.

The school is home to one of the country's most storied and successful college football programs.

Today, we celebrate its 150th anniversary, not for its football program, but for its service to our state and its world class academic traditions.

For even the football program, led ably by Joe Paterno, sets the academic standard for programs across the nation. It is part of an athletic department defined by excellence on and off the field.

Penn State graduated 80 percent of student-athletes from the entering class of 1996-97 within 6 years, compared to a national average of 62 percent for student-athletes at all Division I NCAA institutions.

The football team produced an especially noteworthy academic performance, with 86 percent of the freshmen entering in 1996-97 earning their degrees--significantly above the national rate of 54 percent.

Since 1854, when the school was founded as Farmers' High School, Penn State has revolutionized the way our state approaches farming and continues to be among the world's leaders in agricultural research and innovation.

Over the years, Penn State has expanded its offerings to include every serious academic discipline.

U.S. News and World Report's "America's Best Graduate Schools 2004" places a number of Penn State programs among the nation's top ten, including supply chain/logistics, industrial/manufacturing engineering, materials engineering, nuclear engineering, agricultural engineering, higher education administration, administration/supervision, vocational/technical education, counseling services, ceramics, and rehabilitation counseling.

Penn State's Smeal College of Business has been ranked among the nation's top "Best Undergraduate Business Programs" at public universities.

The honors extend to undergraduate disciplines across the academic spectrum. In 2003, 15 Penn State faculty or staff members received regular grants to lecture or conduct research abroad as Fulbright Scholars, more outgoing Fulbright grants than any other institution in the United States.

But the measure of a university extends beyond commencement day and even beyond the classroom or research lab.

A university's reputation in businesses and communities across the nation is carried and enhanced by that university's alumni.

Penn State has 466,000 living alumni worldwide, 240,000 of them in Pennsylvania.

The Penn State Alumni Association, formed in 1870, has more than 146,000 members, making it the largest dues-paying alumni association in the nation.

These men and women carry the standard for their alma mater and are proof of the world-class education Penn State students receive during the time on campus.

I am honored to join my colleagues in both House and Senate from the Keystone State in honoring Penn State and thanking its administrators, professors, students, and support personnel for offering a terrific education at a reasonable price to so many for so long.

It is an honor well-deserved.

Congressman Don Sherwood (PA-10)

July 6, 2004 -- Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise before you today to honor the Pennsylvania State University as it celebrates its Sesquicentennial. On February 22, 1855, Pennsylvania Governor William Pollock signed the charter that created what is today The Pennsylvania State University. The University will be celebrating its Sesquicentennial for a full year from July 1, 2004 through June 30, 2005.

Penn State was started as a small college dedicated to the study of scientific agriculture; the University was then designated the Commonwealth's sole land-grant institution in 1863 by the Pennsylvania Legislature and has grown to become one of the world's most renowned public universities. The University is well known not only for its agricultural research and extension programs but also engineering, architecture, social sciences, medicine, and law.

Penn State has been instrumental in creating a heart-assist pump developed by medical and engineering faculty in 1976 to prolong the lives of cardiovascular patients. This pump was the first surgically implantable, seam-free, pulsatile blood pump to receive widespread clinical use. It led to the Penn State Heart, the only artificial heart approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. A Penn State surgeon and two engineers also perfected the world's first long-life, rechargeable heart pacemaker.

In 1955, physics Professor Erwin Mueller became the first person to "see" an atom, using a field ion electron microscope of his own invention. The device was a landmark advance in scientific instrumentation that allowed a magnification of more than 2 million times.

Penn State in 1955 became the first university to be issued a federal license to operate a nuclear reactor, which it continues to use for studies in the peaceful uses of atomic energy and the training of nuclear industry personnel.

Penn State is a leader in food science. In 1892 Penn State offered America's first collegiate instruction in ice cream manufacture, followed soon after by a pioneering "short course" program that has helped to make the University an international center for research in frozen confections. Ice cream gurus Ben and Jerry got their start from a correspondence course in ice cream making from Penn State.

Pennsylvania's and the nation's pure food laws stem partly from the work of pioneer chemist William Frear, who in the early 1900s analyzed foods for government agencies and headed an expert committee whose recommendations shaped the landmark Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906.

In the 1920s, Penn State became the first land-grant college to initiate a comprehensive mushroom research program. Researchers developed improved composts and production practices that were adopted by growers worldwide and also helped Pennsylvania retain its leadership as the number one source of domestic mushrooms.

This institution has contributed tremendously to the Commonwealth and the nation, with graduates throughout the world as well the largest outreach efforts with programs in every state and 87 foreign countries. The University has 11 academic schools and 20 campuses located throughout the Commonwealth, as well as an extension program that reaches nearly one out of two residents annually. Penn State annually host the largest all student run philanthropy in the world raising over 3.5 million dollars for The Four Diamonds Fund which provides money for comprehensive care of children with cancer, support for their families, and for research of pediatric cancer.

One out of every eight Pennsylvanians and one in every 720 people in the United States, as well as one out of every 50 engineers and one out of every four meteorologists has a Penn State Degree. The university also boasts the largest dues paying alumni association in the nation that was established in 1870.

The University has also produced many championship Division I athletic teams, as well as a record breaking and legendary football coach Joe Paterno.

The 150th anniversary of Penn State will highlight what is important and good about this distinguished institution and the fine people and research that it produces.

Mr. Speaker, I urge you and my colleagues to congratulate the administration, faculty, staff, alumni and students of Penn State as they celebrate the Sesquicentennial of this fine institution. I wish them all the best during their next 150 years.

Congressman Bill Shuster (PA-9)

July 6, 2004 -- Mr. Speaker, I rise this evening to join my colleagues in recognition of Penn State's 150 years of service to students in pursuit of higher education. Charted in 1854 in response to a request from Pennsylvania State Agriculture Society, Penn State was established as agriculture based school with the goal of applying scientific principles to farming. In time, its ability to draw intellectual talent and broaden its mission enabled it to grow into one of the premier educational institutions in the country.

Over the past 150 years, Penn State has continued to expand its mission to meet the challenges of tomorrow. Today, the University consists of 11 academic schools and 20 campuses throughout the state, including two in my district, located in Altoona and Mont Alto. Additionally, the Penn State system holds a College of Medicine, the Dickinson School of Law and the Pennsylvania College of Technology. All together the combined enrollment in Penn State programs is more than 80,000 students.

To give a sense of this school's impact over the years let me share some facts: one in every eight Pennsylvanians with a college degree is a Penn State graduate and one in 720 people in the U.S. is a Penn State graduate. On personal level, I have felt Penn State's impact in my own life, three of my siblings attended Penn State and numerous members of my staff over the years are Penn State alumni.

So why is it that thousands of students from all walks of life come to Penn State in pursuit of a higher education? They come knowing that their time at Penn State will translate into a top-quality education. Penn State has been consistently recognized as one of the best technical schools in the country and U.S News and World Report's "America's Best Graduate Schools 2004" selected a number of Penn State programs among the nation's top ten. These strong credentials are proof of Penn State's high standards.

Mr. Speaker, once again I want to congratulate Penn State on 150 years of excellence and to thank all of the professors, administrators, staff, students and alumni who dedicate themselves to making Penn State one of the most valuable educational institutions in our state and our nation.

Congressman Frank R. Wolf (VA-10)

(Penn State Class of 1961)

July 7, 2004 -- Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today in support of H.Res. 703, a resolution offered by my colleague Rep. John Peterson, congratulating my alma mater, The Pennsylvania State University, on 150 years of service and commending Pennsylvania's designation of the university as Pennsylvania's sole land-grant institution.

As a native Pennsylvanian, I was proud to attend Penn State and earn my undergraduate degree there in 1961. I also met someone there who would become the most important person in my life - a fellow Penn State student named Carolyn Stover who accepted my proposal to be my wife. We have many fond memories of our time together at Penn State, strolling together past Old Main, and our dates to the Creamery, enjoying the best ice cream in the world - bar none.

Mr. Speaker, you may not know the tradition of the Creamery. It all started in 1892, when Penn State became the first American institution of higher education to establish collegiate-level instruction in ice cream manufacture, a program that has helped make the university an internationally recognized center for research in frozen confections.

Penn State without question has had an outstanding 150 years as one of the finest land grant institutions in the nation. Its list of achievements is long and impressive. It was the first institution of higher education in the country to offer undergraduate degrees in industrial engineering, fuel science, and turf grass science. Its strong and varied undergraduate program draws students from across the country and the world.

Penn State's graduate programs also are impressive. Its supply chain/logistics, industrial/manufacturing engineering, materials engineering, nuclear engineering, agricultural engineering, higher education administration, administration/supervision, vocational/technical education, counseling services, ceramics, and rehabilitation counseling graduate programs rank among the nation's top ten, according to U.S. News and World Report. Penn State's medical, law, and business graduate programs are also stellar.

It is important to note that one in every eight Pennsylvanians with a college degree, one in every 720 Americans, one in every 50 engineers, and one in very four meteorologists are alumni of Penn State.

Penn State is an institution that not only trains the mind, but the body as well. The Nittany Lions are known throughout the intercollegiate sports world for its outstanding teams. Penn State's football team is synonymous with gridiron excellence. Coach Joe Paterno is a football legend, and became the all-time leader in wins in college football in 2001. Penn State also fields quality teams in cross-country, women's volleyball, and gymnastics, just to name a few. The Penn State athletic tradition is robust, and the university has garnered an impressive 56 national team championships in its history.

Penn State's scholar/athletes have impressive academic credentials: the university graduated 80 percent of its scholar/athletes from the entering class of 1996 - 1997 within six years, compared to a national average of 62 percent for scholar/athletes at all Division I NCAA institutions. Penn State maintains an emphasis on education and athletics that is to be envied.

Penn State's history is full of accomplishments and its future is full of promise. I will insert for the record a list of 50 ways Penn State has shaped the world. This is just a fraction of the ways the students, faculty, staff and all those associated with Penn State have helped to make our nation and the world a better place.

The education I received at Penn State and the relationships I developed - the most important of which was meeting my future wife - helped shape my life and the public service path I pursued. Carolyn and I, both proud Penn State alumni, congratulate the university on its sesquicentennial, and look forward to celebrating Penn State's future accomplishments.