January 30—U.S. Representative David Obey (D-Wis.) received the 2001 NAICU Award for Advocacy of Independent Higher Education tonight from the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities. The award was presented to him in front of more than 400 private college and university leaders at NAICU’s 25th Annual Meeting at the Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.

Joining Rep. Obey were two Wisconsin private college presidents: Robert Rue Parsonage, president of Northland College, and Stephen A. Gould, president of Lakeland College.

The NAICU Advocacy Award was established eight years ago to recognize individuals outside of academe who have championed the cause of independent (private) nonprofit higher education. Whether in government, business, or philanthropy, the winner of this award has provided leadership, established resources, or enacted policy at the state or national level to significantly benefit independent institutions and their students.

"We are pleased to honor Congressman Obey for his career-long commitment to educational opportunity, and thank him for helping to make the dream of higher education possible for millions of students," said NAICU President David L. Warren. "Since being elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1969, Congressman Obey has been an outspoken advocate of increased funding for education, health research, job training, and assistance for families with special education and health needs. This passion for helping the neediest people in the nation has made him a tireless champion of the federal student aid programs.

"Congressman Obey’s commitment was evident during the past session of Congress, when he advocated a $3,800 Pell Grant maximum to ensure that the neediest students could pursue a higher education," Warren said. "He went on to fight for a $500 Pell Grant increase at every step of the funding process. The final figure of $3,750 for next year’s maximum Pell Grant—only $50 below the congressman’s target figure—represents the largest single-year increase in the history of the Pell Grant program. This record level of funding wouldn’t have been possible without Congressman Obey’s persistent efforts."

Obey has served on the House Appropriations Committee for 31 years—as chairman from 1994 to 1995, and as ranking Democrat since 1996. He has also served on the appropriations panel’s Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Subcommittee since 1975, and has been ranking Democrat since 1996.