Congratulating the Pennsylvania State University of its 150th Anniversary

CONGRATULATING THE PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY ON ITS 150TH ANNIVERSARY -- (Extensions of Remarks - July 09, 2004)

SPEECH OF HON. TIM HOLDEN OF PENNSYLVANIA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
FRIDAY, 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.

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