Land-grant press conference remarks by Rep. Lynn Herman

March 29, 2004
1 p.m. land-grant press conference
Capitol Rotunda

Good afternoon, and thank you for being with us on this very historic day for the commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Immediately after this press conference, first the House and then the Senate, will adopt resolutions congratulating The Pennsylvania State University on the start of its sesquicentennial celebration and its designation as Pennsylvania's land-grant university.

In response to the interests of the State Agricultural Society, the General Assembly established an educational institution whose mission was to bring general education and knowledge of modern farming methods to the farmers Pennsylvania. The establishment of that institution, the Farmers' High School -- and its subsequent designation as Pennsylvania's land-grant college -- was one of the most significant actions undertaken by the Pennsylvania General Assembly in the 19th century.

Just a few months ago, as its chairman, I announced the revitalization of the House History Caucus.

The purpose of the History Caucus is to encourage and promote the study of the history of America and Pennsylvania through the presentation of lectures and living history exhibits in the state Capitol and throughout the commonwealth. And today we celebrate a great moment in Pennsylvania history -- the upcoming 150th anniversary of Penn State's founding and service to the commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Above the columns of Old Main are words from the July 2, 1862, Act of Congress signed by Abraham Lincoln: "To promote liberal and practical education in the several pursuits and professions of life." This is followed by words from the April 1, 1863, Act of the State Legislature: "And the faith of the state is hereby pledged to carry the same into effect."

That pledge is as binding to us today as it was in 1863. To quote from the House resolution, "The missions of instruction, research, outreach and extension continue to be the focus of the university and have grown to where the commonwealth's land-grant university is now one of the most highly regarded research universities in the nation."

Land-grant institutions have often been termed "democracy's colleges," and it is fitting that the first "democracy college" was established in Pennsylvania, the nation's "cradle of democracy." Clearly, the education provided at Penn State has made success possible for thousands of people here in Pennsylvania and throughout the nation.

As I mentioned earlier, today's events represent a preview of the sesquicentennial celebration of the University, which officially begins July 1. As the host of this press conference, I am delighted to have Penn State President Graham Spanier, Vice Chairman of the Penn State Board of Trustees Mr. James Broadhurst, Sen. Jake Corman and Rep. Kerry Benninghoff and so many members of Penn State's official family with us today.

And now it is my pleasure to introduce Sen. Jake Corman, a Penn State alumnus from Bellefonte, who represents the 34th Senatorial District.