[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 8] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages 10542-10543] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]RECOGNIZING DR. JOSEPH W. BASCUAS, INTERIM PRESIDENT OF BECKER COLLEGE, LEICESTER, MASSACHUSETTS ______ HON. RICHARD E. NEAL of massachusetts in the house of representatives Thursday, June 10, 2010 Mr. NEAL of Massachusetts. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Dr. Joseph W. Bascuas for serving as Becker College's interim president and for his promotion of high academic standards. The Becker College Board of Trustees named Dr. Bascuas as interim president on September 26, 2008. Dr. Bascuas gave his leadership and support to the Becker College community in various ways during his tenure. Specifically, he brought more than 25 years of experience in higher education to Becker College. [[Page 10543]] During his time at Becker College, Dr. Bascuas strengthened relations with the local community, encouraging the investment of college resources to the benefit of the local community. Specifically, he effectively emphasized new collaborations with the Town of Leicester Public Schools and championed the college's plans to transition part of the landmark Reverend Samuel May House into a visitor center for the town. On a personal note, I appreciate his interest in promoting civil rights and his personal invitation to address students on this important chapter of our nation's history and served as the commencement speaker for the graduating class of 2010. Becker College is a unique New England college. The institution, which traces its history to 1784, is comprised of two separate campuses only six miles apart, one in Leicester and the other in Worcester, Massachusetts, each with its own dormitories, library, dining hall and academic facilities. The college serves more than 1,700 students from 18 states and 12 countries, and offers more than 25 diverse, quality bachelor degree programs in unique, high-demand career niches ranging from nursing and equine management to computer game design and a variety of adult learning options. Prior to serving as interim president at Becker College, Dr. Bascuas served as president of Medaille College, Buffalo, NY, a private institution that offers undergraduate and graduate degrees, from 2002 through 2006. Dr. Bascuas successfully took Medaille through an accreditation and strategic planning; completed a $2.4 million capital campaign; nearly doubled revenue and undergraduate freshman to sophomore retention; and increased overall and undergraduate enrollment as well as the number of resident students. As founding president of Argosy University Atlanta, GA campus, Bascuas spent 12 years with the Argosy Education Group. During his tenure, the Argosy corporate entity grew from 3 to 13 campuses, offering undergraduate and graduate programs in business, education, and psychology, two law schools, and one technology-focused school. Dr. Bascuas also increased enrollment and revenues at all campuses, introduced new programs at five campuses, and hired presidents at two campuses. Previously, Bascuas has held administrative and teaching positions at the Georgia School of Professional Psychology, Antioch University, Nova/Southeastern University and Salve Regina University. He has held a number of positions with professional boards and associations, most recently as site visit team chair for the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, and he has served on the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division III Presidents Council. Dr. Bascuas has written and co-authored numerous papers on psychological topics and has presented at symposia and conferences. He received a B.A. from LaSalle University and an M.A. and a Ph.D. from Temple University. Mr. President, I again thank Dr. Joseph W. Bascuas for his great contributions to Becker College and the Town of Leicester. I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing Dr. Joseph W. Bascuas all of the best in his future endeavors. ____________________