SUPPORTING THE GOALS AND IDEALS OF NATIONAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE MONTH
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Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Bucks County Community College in celebration of National Community College Month. By providing a gateway to higher learning for those who would otherwise be unable to continue their education, community colleges, like Bucks County, are improving our society and our communities. We need to continue to work to make college more accessible, so that we continue to build a more competitive workforce. Madam Speaker, by supporting these important institutions of higher education we can ensure their ability to serve students eager for knowledge and a path to a successful future.
Madam Speaker, I am a strong advocate of community colleges because I am the product of a community college. After graduating from high school, I enrolled at Bucks County Community College, in Newtown, Pennsylvania, where I gained the ability and confidence to achieve. My year at Bucks County Community College was very important. It prepared me for King's College, Widener University School of Law and eventually to serve as an educator myself at West Point. My love of learning and teaching blossomed at Bucks County Community College--an experience no doubt shared by so many across our great Nation.
For more than 40 years, Bucks County Community College has provided a critical service to Bucks County. Whether students are there as a stepping stone to another college or university, or preparing for jobs in business, public service or health care, Bucks provides a high quality education and a great environment in which to learn. The college has expanded its services by opening two campuses in addition to its main campus in Newtown. This has increased accessibility, especially for those continuing their education while working full-time. As one of the oldest community colleges in Pennsylvania, Bucks County Community College has established itself as a leader in education, not just among other community colleges, but among all colleges and universities.
If not for Bucks County Community College, I would not be where I am today. I know that mine is not the only case in which a community college changed the life of a young student. With 11 million students enrolled at more than 1,200 community colleges nationwide, these schools provide an invaluable service to a large portion of our community. Madam Speaker, these affordable, local institutions give every student, of every background, the ability to experience the benefits of higher education.
It was at Bucks County Community College that I learned how hard I could work and how much I could achieve. Like millions of other students, all I needed was an opportunity, and I took advantage of it. Madam Speaker, this is the unique and necessary function of our community colleges. They give every student a chance to succeed.
Madam Speaker, my appreciation for the opportunity provided by our community colleges is personal and near to my heart. I Urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H. Res. 334.
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