WHEREAS, Joseph L. Costa has ably directed Rhode Island College's Student Support Services, more commonly known as the PEP Program, since 1980, and under his dedicated and innovative leadership, the six-week summer session for enrolled students, intended to give them individualization, intensive academic study in writing, mathematics and communications, has continuously expanded to meet the growing needs of disadvantaged students; and

WHEREAS, One of approximately 710 similar programs in operation across the country, criteria for selection to the PEP Program includes a personal interview, low-income, high school academic credential review, and a written statement by the student; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Costa estimates that there are about 450 PEP alumni, all of whom are Rhode Island College graduates, and that this most successful program enjoys a remarkable 65% graduation rate. Most alumni remain in the Ocean State after graduation and remain close to one another; and

WHEREAS, April 12, 1997 marks the 25th Anniversary of Student Support Services at Rhode Island College, and the beneficiaries of the PEP Program owe its devoted Director a debt beyond reckoning; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations hereby recognizes the superb leadership and myriad achievements of Joseph L. Costa, the Director of Rhode Island College's renown Student Support Services program. His contributions to expanding educational opportunities for disadvantaged students has earned him the unqualified admiration and respect of the entire membership of this Senate; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and he hereby is authorized and directed to transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Mr. Joseph L. Costa.