Celebrating Columbia State Community College's 50th Year

Floor Speech

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Mrs. BLACKBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Columbia State Community College's 50th year of excellence in education and ask my colleagues to join with me in celebrating their success.

Columbia State is Tennessee's first community college. Their vision has been to build on its heritage of excellence through innovation in education and services that foster success and bring distinction and recognition for the quality and effectiveness of the college. At the college's convocation on September 26, 1966, former Tennessee Governor Frank G. Clement said, ``Because of this school, young people who otherwise would have to terminate their academic career at the high school level will find a way into the world of higher education.''

Today, Columbia State has grown and expanded into five different campus locations including Columbia, Franklin, Lawrenceburg, Lewisburg, and Clifton. They also serve in nine of the Seventh District's counties. The college is home to thousands of alumni who have gone on to make an impact in all different sectors of society and industries.

I honor Columbia State Community College for serving and empowering people for the last 50 years to achieve their educational aspirations and go farther than they ever thought possible and I join with them in their celebration of achievement.

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