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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1227]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
RECOGNIZING INDIANA UNIVERSITY
______
HON. SUSAN W. BROOKS
of indiana
in the house of representatives
Friday, September 27, 2019
Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor my alma
mater, Indiana University, as we recognize and celebrate the
Bicentennial Anniversary of this hallowed institution. As a beacon of
world-class academic excellence, Indiana University has given the world
a multitude of dynamic and impactful leaders in a vast array of
disciplines. Both the United States and the international community
have benefited from the influence of the legions of Indiana University
alumni spanning the globe.
Shortly after gaining statehood, the Indiana General Assembly passed
legislation mandating the creation of a state seminary institution in
1820. By 1822 construction on the earliest Indiana State Seminary
buildings was underway in Bloomington, Indiana. In 1828, the State
Seminary would be renamed Indiana College. Under the early leadership
of inaugural President Andrew Wylie, whose term lasted from 1829 to
1851, the institution in Bloomington expanded its educational
curriculum and transformed from Indiana College to Indiana University
in 1829. Under the leadership of President David Starr Jordan, who
served from 1884 to 1891, Indiana University saw major increases in
enrollment, with the institution of the elective system. This
multiplied the education offerings and solidified Indiana University's
reputation as one of the premiere educational institutions in the
United States.
As Indiana University closed out the 19th century, it became a leader
in making higher education more accessible. As early as 1867, it became
one of the earliest public universities in the country to admit women
on an equal basis with men. Throughout the 20th century, Indiana
University experienced massive changes under the direction of legendary
President Herman B. Wells whose term lasted from 1938 to 1962. Total
enrollment surpassed the 30,000 student threshold. Much of this
increase coincided with the new opportunities available to military
veterans as a result of the G.I. Bill. Guided by the leadership of
President Wells, the university pursued an effort to become one of the
foremost internationally recognized centers for research and
scholarship. This expansion based a greater emphasis on academic
research in many different areas of study leading to further
advancements in the understanding of both our natural world and the
human condition.
Through these past 200 years, Hoosier students have displayed their
excellence in the academic, athletic and cultural arenas, amassing
numerous Rhodes Scholar, Marshall Scholar, and MacArthur Fellow honors
in the classroom, as well as multiple Big Ten Conference and NCAA
Championships in Men's and Women's sports. Over the last 200 years many
notable Hoosiers have left their mark on our society. The university
has produced world political leaders, cabinet members, titans of
industry and commerce, cutting-edge scientific researchers, artists,
Olympians, musicians, and entertainers.
In addition to the world-renowned undergraduate opportunities
available at Indiana University, there are also over 400 graduate
degrees and certificates that Indiana University offers students. Many
of Indiana University's graduate schools have become industry leaders
in the areas of medicine, law, business, music, media, education,
politics, and the arts. The alumni of the graduate schools have also
had a long and integral hand in the development of Indiana's well
respected public and private sectors. The impact of research conducted
by post-graduate students and faculty at Indiana University has been
felt throughout the world, benefiting untold millions.
Now well into the 21st century, Indiana University, under the
direction of the 18th President Michael McRobbie, has continued its
steadfast charge to be a national leader in public education. Guided by
President McRobbie, the university has undergone the largest academic
restructuring in its history, leading to the creation of 10 new
schools. Indiana University has also been dutifully supported by the
many Indiana Governors and Indiana General Assembly Members over the
past two centuries. Hoosier lawmakers continue to further the Indiana
University commitment of providing students a world-class education.
Over 690,000 students and alumni of the 9 campuses throughout the
State of Indiana have been well served by forward-thinking university
administration officials. The Board of Trustees, Chancellors,
Administration, Faculty, and Alumni Association members have been
integral to the immense academic and educational footprint that Indiana
University has developed and maintained. This leadership has allowed
Indiana University to develop over 16 schools and 550 individual degree
programs, keeping Indiana University on the cutting edge of student
development and academic excellence.
I join all current and former Hoosiers in wishing our beloved alma
mater a happy Bicentennial Anniversary. Hail to Old I.U.
____________________
