On the recordFebruary 23, 2015
as I have every year since 2007, I rise today to commemorate Black History Month. This year we are privileged to recognize Dean JoAnne A. Epps, the dean of Temple University's Beasley School of Law. Dean Epps is a woman who has made significant contributions to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the Nation by promoting opportunity and diversity throughout our legal institutions. JoAnne's life and career have been a testament to hard work and following her dreams. Her achievements are substantial, and she has worked to inspire others to fulfill their dreams, while advancing the cause of social justice to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential. Today I am proud to honor JoAnne Epps as a leader in law and education and highlight some of the ways in which she has demonstrated the power of dreams by opening doors of opportunity for women and minorities throughout her career. JoAnne Epps's story serves as an example of where our dreams can take us. She is a native of Cheltenham, PA. For those who don't know the geography of our State, it is in the southeastern corner of our State in Montgomery County. She attended Trinity College in Connecticut. As an undergraduate JoAnne planned to follow in her mother's footsteps and become a legal secretary; however, she distinguished herself throughout her undergraduate career, and her mother and professors encouraged her to dream big.…
