Recognizing Dr. Joe Castro--Fresno State University

Floor Speech

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Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, I recognize a Latino leader who has been an inspiration and a role model to thousands of students in my home of Fresno, the San Joaquin Valley, and that is Dr. Joe Castro, president of Fresno State University, home of the Bulldogs.

Yesterday, Dr. Castro was named the newest chancellor of California State University system after spending 8 years at my alma mater at Fresno State with great success. He is the first native of California and the first person of color to head the California University system, the largest in the entire Nation.

Raised in an immigrant household in Hanford, California, he is the first in his family, like so many, to graduate from college. His story is the story of the American immigrant.

He serves as a mentor and an inspiration to thousands of first- generation college students who have followed in his footsteps, folks like members of my family. His leadership led to many accolades for Fresno State in recent years as the university continues to be one of the best colleges in the country.

A passionate and fierce advocate for students, his selection to lead the largest public university system in the country is a testament to his leadership and the respect he has throughout the Nation as one of the leaders in higher education. He will leave behind a legacy that was best expressed when he first came to Fresno State and he told the student body: ``Be bold.'' ``Be bold.''

Congratulations, Joe and Mary, a real team, a Bulldog team, and always Bulldog proud.

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