[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 13] [House] [Page 18326] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]TRIBUTE TO HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Etheridge) is recognized for 5 minutes. Mr. ETHERIDGE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join my colleagues in recognition of National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week. This special week, the nation pays tribute to HBCUs that make such a difference developing young minds and shaping our future. As defined by the Higher Education Act of 1965, HBCUs are ``any historically black college or university that was established prior to 1964, whose principle mission was, and is, the education of black Americans, and that is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency or association determined by the Secretary (of Education) to be a reliable authority as to the quality of training offered or is, according to such an agency or association, making reasonable progress toward accreditation. Nearly fourteen percent of our country's African American students in higher education are enrolled at HBCUs. These colleges and universities are preparing a new generation of leaders, business people, teachers and scholars. They play a vital role in ensuring that our higher education system is the finest in the world. This year's HBCUs Week is themed, ``The Tradition Continues: New Successes and Challenges,'' which is a tribute to the rich tradition of HBCUs and the enduring role they play in the weave of our social fabric. North Carolina is home to several HBCUs, and I am particularly proud of the two in my Congressional District; Shaw University and Fayetteville State University. Shaw University, located in Raleigh, was founded in 1865, making it the oldest HBCU in the South. Shaw is a private, coeducational, liberal arts university, awarding degrees at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Affiliated with the Baptist Church, the primary mission of the University is teaching with the commitment to maintain excellence in research and academic programs that foster intellectual enhancement and technological skills. Shaw stresses character development, which includes religious, cultural, social and ethical values. The Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, a major force in the Civil Rights Movement, got its start at a conference held a Shaw in 1960. Dr. Clarence G. Newsome currently serves as President of Shaw University. Fayetteville State University is a constituent institution of the University of North Carolina. The primary mission of the university is to provide quality education to its students through a basic liberal arts foundation, specialized professional training, and specific graduate programs. The university is fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. In addition, individual university departments, degree programs, and service functions hold memberships and accreditations with appropriate professional organizations. Chancellor T.J. Bryan is the tenth Chief Executive Officer of the 138- year old HBCU and the first female to head the institution. Mr. Speaker, as the former Superintendent of North Carolina's public schools, I know well the outstanding contributions made to our state and nation by Shaw University, Fayetteville State University and all of our Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and I am pleased to join my colleagues in paying tribute to national HBCUs Week. ____________________