On the recordMarch 3, 2010
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1117, authored by Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren, a bill that celebrates California State University, CSU, for 50 years of service and leadership. In 1960, California developed its master plan for higher education. Since that time, this plan has provided access to higher education for the State's diverse array of students. In that same year, Mr. Speaker, with the passage of the Donahue Higher Education Act, California's individual State colleges were brought together to form the esteemed CSU system. Since its inception, California State University has grown into an exemplary set of higher education institutions. The CSU boasts 23 campuses, seven off-campus centers, and over 433,000 students. In addition, the system maintains 44,000 faculty and staff, offering 1,800 bachelors and master's degree programs in some 357 subject areas, making it the largest and most diverse university system in the United States. Each campus in the CSU system provides its own unique experience and enrolls a diverse set of students. CSU attracts the best and brightest students the great State of California produces. These students are not only leaders inside the classroom, but they also lead in service to their communities. Annually, CSU students participate in over 32 million hours of community service, providing an economic impact of over $634 million to a multitude of California neighborhoods.
