03.04.09

Durbin Welcomes Benedictine University President as Special Guest to the Joint Session of Congress

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today welcomed the President of Benedictine University, William Carroll, as his guest to an address given by the British Prime Minister, Gordon Brown to a special joint session of Congress. Before attending the joint session, Durbin and Carroll discussed how the recent increase in Pell Grants included in the Economic Recovery Act that will help more students in Illinois and around the country afford a college education. Durbin also welcomed two representatives from Springfield College – Benedictine University as guests to the address, Carolyn Graham and Will Gillette.

 

Last week, Durbin introduced legislation to establish a study abroad program for undergraduate students that would help build global awareness and international understanding. The Senator Paul Simon Study Abroad Foundation Act aims to make study abroad in high-quality programs in diverse locations around the world the routine, rather than the exception, for American college students. The legislation has obtained the support of many organizations including NASULGC, A Public University Association and NAFSA, Association of International Educators.