[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 142 (Friday, August 24, 2018)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E1171-E1172] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] COMMENDING VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY FOR WINNING THE `HBCU OF THE YEAR' AWARD ______ HON. A. DONALD McEACHIN of virginia in the house of representatives Friday, August 24, 2018 Mr. McEACHIN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize Virginia State University for being named the `HBCU of the Year' by HBCU Digest. Founded in 1882, Virginia State University, also known as Virginia State, is a historically black public land-grant university located in Ettrick, Virginia. Virginia State was the United States' first fully state-supported four-year college for African-Americans and is a member school of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. Virginia State is a renowned institution of higher learning, producing impressive, highly-qualified graduates in a variety of important fields--including agriculture, education, and business. Virginia State is an acclaimed institution for attracting and retaining first-time college students, helping to open opportunities to communities of color across the country and expanding access to well- paying, 21st century jobs. Virginia State also boasts a variety of impressive and decorated athletic programs. Virginia State, over its rich 116-year existence, has been distinguished by an impressive and influential faculty and administration. [[Page E1172]] John Mercer Langston, the first African-American member of Congress from Virginia, served as Virginia State's first president. Dr. Makola Abdullah, the 14th and current president, is the youngest African American ever to receive a Ph.D. in engineering. I call on my colleagues to join me in celebrating Virginia State University's receipt of this momentous award in recognition of its invaluable contributions to Virginia and the entire nation. ____________________