Chet Edwards’ gave the commencement speech to Texas State Technical College (TSTC) on August 20, 2010. Edwards highlighted his commitment to students furthering their schooling, acknowledging the high financial standing required to attend. Edwards urged for increased aid, by way of “college loans, Pell grants and work studies” (p. 4). Edwards held a strong commitment to the integrity of higher education in the United States and to promoting opportunities for all, regardless of their socioeconomic status. In personal reflection, Edwards acknowledged how his degree completion was a result of “a federally insured student loan.” Edwards acknowledged students’ varying levels of socioeconomic status and financial resources, as well as how certain populations are often underrepresented in higher education in general, as well as in specific majors. According to Rosser (1985), “Under the Edwards proposal, Texas would use state funds to match private contributions to secondary and post-secondary programs designed to increase the enrollment of minorities and women in engineering departments” (para. 3). Edwards is quoted as saying, “I think it is painfully obvious to us that it is essential that we diversify our economy because we can no longer rely on oil and gas” (para. 7). Edwards recognized the long-term benefits of investing in education.

References:

Rosser, J. (1985, May 9). Edwards’ high-tech education proposal wins Senate approval. 70th session, Senate Bills, Topical, Women and Minorities in Engineering Education: S.B. 91., S.B.182, 1983-1987. Baylor Collections of Political Materials: W.R. Poage Legislative Library: Thomas Chester “Chet” Edwards State Legislative Papers: Box 150, File 6), Waco, TX, United States.

Chet Edwards’ remarks during the Burleson Debate highlight his concern and commitment to ensure higher education was affordable and of high quality (p. 6). Chet Edwards voiced his commitment to “funding for low–income school districts” and “believe[s] the federal government has an important supporting role” (p. 6). Chet Edwards was committed to higher education, by preparing “healthy students” through “the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)”, which in turn benefits future higher education students by working to help them from a young age (p. 6). Chet Edwards recognized the foundation of studenthood and was committed to student well-being in all areas.

This item showcases the eleventh page of Chet Edwards’ speech at the 61st Annual Conference - American GI Forum. Edwards discussed his commitment to legislate for those whose parents served in the military and who lost them during that service, mentioning his idea for a “full college scholarship” and “education scholarship” (p. 11). Further, “Edwards also played a key role in enacting the 21st Century GI Bill of Rights into law that covers the full cost of a college education for U.S. troops” (para. 13).

Baylor University. (2012, January 10). Baylor University announces appointment of former U.S. Congressman Chet Edwards as the W.R. Poage Distinguished Chair for public service, donation of congressional papers. https://news.web.baylor.edu/news/story/2012/baylor-university-announces-appointment-former-us-congressman-chet-edwards-wr-poage