CONTACT: Andrew Souvall 

or Heather Lasher Todd 

Trenton, N.J. -- U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) today expressed his support for Douglass College by sending a representative, and Douglass Alum, from his office to deliver remarks at the "Rally for Douglass College" on the front steps of the State House in Trenton. 

Pallone could not attend the rally, due to the voting schedule of the U.S. House of Representatives.  Alex Maldonado, a 2000 graduate of Douglass College and District Field Representative for Pallone, represented the New Jersey Congressman at the rally and shared the following remarks:

"Dear Douglass Students, Professors, Administrators and loyal Alumnae,

If Congress were not in session today, I would be standing with you, adding
my voice to the cause of saving Douglass College.   As your representative in Washington, you can be assured I am with you 100 percent.   President
McCormick and the Board of Governors are well aware of my strong support
for keeping Douglass as a four-year, all women's college.   Rather than dissolve
this wonderful and unique school, I have urged that Douglass College be
showcased as a model to the nation for the education of women.  The name,
mission, traditions and uniqueness of Douglass must be retained and the student
body clearly defined.  The curriculum should reflect a focus on women's
education and leadership.  This is what has made Douglass College a great
institution in the past and will make it an even greater institution in the future. 
Anything short of this would be a net loss not only to women's education, but to
Rutgers University itself. Let's continue to make Douglass a proud and strong
part of Rutgers University.

                                                                          Sincerely,

                                                                          FRANK PALLONE, JR.

                                                                          Member of Congress