Congratulating Silver Lake College for 75 years of service as an undergraduate institution of higher education.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

I rise today in support of House Resolution 1142, congratulating Silver Lake College for 75 years of service as an undergraduate institution of higher education. Silver Lake College is a 4-year Catholic liberal arts college located in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, which is in the congressional district I represent.

The college was founded in the late 1800s by the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity. In 1935, the State of

Wisconsin granted Silver Lake its charter as a 4-year undergraduate liberal arts institution, and it conferred its first degree 4 years later. The college began admitting lay women on a regular basis in 1957, and became coeducational in 1969 to better meet the educational needs of the local area.

Today, Silver Lake serves over 1,000 students and offers a seven-to- one student-to-teacher ratio. It offers 11 different degree programs in 24 areas of study. A pioneer in the music field, Silver Lake College is the only college in the country to have an established undergraduate Kodaly concept of music education concentration.

In addition to music, Silver Lake College has a highly regarded reputation for its undergraduate and graduate education programs. The college also has expanded its reach throughout the State of Wisconsin, offering classes in a variety of communities, including Green Bay, Marinette, Rhinelander, and Sheboygan. Silver Lake College strives to develop a community of lifelong learners, to provide educational opportunities for professional preparation within a liberal arts experience, to prepare students for self-directed intellectual inquiry and aesthetic appreciation, and to foster commitment to Christian values, service, and leadership in the world community.

This past fall, as part of a 10-year campus master plan, Silver Lake College opened its first on-campus residence hall. As its growth continues, plans are in the works for the construction of a new music education and performance center, along with an athletics and events center.

I have had the opportunity to visit the college on numerous occasions, and commend Dr. George Arnold, Silver Lake's president, for his efforts in working with the local Manitowoc community and businesses to enhance student learning opportunities. Strong institutions help to make strong communities, and the people of Wisconsin, especially those in and near Manitowoc, are proud of the 75 years of service that Silver Lake College has provided. The growth, strength, and vitality of Silver Lake College is an achievement well worth special recognition.

I extend my congratulations to Silver Lake College on its 75th anniversary, and wish all of its faculty, staff, students, and alumni continued success in their endeavors.

I ask my colleagues to support this resolution.

I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1142) congratulating Silver Lake College for 75 years of service as an undergraduate institution of higher education.

Mr. Speaker, I request 5 legislative days during which Members may revise, extend, and insert extraneous material on H. Res. 1142 into the Record.

I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of House Resolution 1142, which congratulates Silver Lake College for 75 years of service as an undergraduate institution of higher education. Founded in the late 1800s by the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity, Silver Lake College has emerged as a strong academic environment for students looking for one-on-one attention. The school educates approximately 1,000 students annually, offers a seven-to-one student-to-teacher ratio, and provides 24 different areas of study for its students. The small, intimate setting Silver Lake College champions gives students and teachers opportunities to excel in and out of the classroom.

Silver Lake College was founded on Franciscan Catholic values. These values focus on a commitment to community, compassion, peace, and reverence for creation. Through a quality liberal arts education, students at Silver Lake College learn to connect the mind and spirit through Franciscan traditions. Leadership and service ideals are instilled in the student body at Silver Lake College. These ideals are best exemplified by students' commitment to volunteerism. This past February, three student organizations at the school partnered to raise funds for victims of the Haiti earthquake. Students hosted a rock and roll concert and sold food at fundraisers throughout campus, with all proceeds going to earthquake victims.

This year Silver Lake College will celebrate 75 years of providing excellent education and cultivating young women and men to be well- rounded young adults with promising career paths.

Mr. Speaker, once again I express my support for Silver Lake College, and thank Congressman Petri for bringing this bill forward. I urge my colleagues to join me in support of this resolution.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this resolution congratulating Silver Lake College for 75 years of service.

I yield back the balance of my time.