Volume 67 · 538
Public Law 83–249
Authorizing the recognition of the two hundredth anniversary of the founding of Columbia University in the city of New York and providing for the representation of the Government and people of the United States in the observance of this anniversary.
Approved August 8, 1953
Statutory text
JOINT RESOLUTION
Authorizing the recognition of the two hundredth anniversary of the founding of Columbia University in the city of New York and providing for the representation of the Government and people of the United States in the observance of this anniversary.
Whereas King’s College, chartered in 1754, was one of the earliest institutions of higher learning to be established in the American colonies; and its alumni, including such famous Americans us Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, Robert R, Livingston, and Gouverneur Morris, played a brilliant role in the struggle for American independence, in the formulation and adoption of the Constitution of the United States, and in the establishment of a new government dedicated to the liberty of man; and
Whereas King’s College became Columbia University subsequent to the American Revolution and, in ensuing decades, has carried and enhanced the prestige of American scholarship and scientific research throughout the world and has contributed abundantly at home to the increase of learning, the betterment of the professions and the enrichment of the community generally; and
Whereas Columbia University, over the years, has given to the United States from among those trained in its schools: Two Presidents, Theodore Roosevelt and Franklin D. Roosevelt; a Vice President, Daniel D. Tompkins; three Chief Justices, John Jay—first to hold that office, Charles Evans Hughes, and Harlan Fiske Stone; and many other outstanding public servants in the legislative, executive, and judicial departments, as well as numberless distinguished citizens in all walks of life; and
Whereas the president emeritus of Columbia is now the President of the United States; and
Whereas there are to be held at New York City and other places, during 1954, ceremonies, convocations, and conferences commemorating this anniversary of Columbia University, at which illustrious scholars and personages from many lands will attend; and
Whereas the State and city of New York will be officially represented at these exercises; and
Whereas many activities connected with this anniversary will be devoted to furthering and exemplifying the affirmative values of the institutions of a people devoted to freedom: Therefore be it
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled
Columbia University, N. Y.
Anniversary.
,
That the Government of the people of the United States unite with Columbia University in the city of New York in a fitting observance of the two hundredth anniversary of its founding.
Sec. 2.
There is hereby established a commission to be known as the
Commission.
United States Commission for the Bicentennial of Columbia
Membership.
University in the City of New York. This Commission shall consist of fifteen Commissioners, as follows: The President of the United States and four persons appointed by him; the President of the Senate and four Members of the Senate appointed by him; and the Speaker of the House of Representatives and four Members of the House appointed by him.
Sec. 3.
The Commission, on behalf of the United States, shall cooperate
Functions.
with the representatives of Columbia University, the State of New York, and the city of New York in the appropriate observance of Columbia University’s bicentennial, and shall extend appropriate greetings and courtesies to representatives of foreign governments, to the delegates of foreign universities and other foreign learned bodies, and to foreign scholars and other individuals attending the celebrations as guests of Columbia University. The Commission is authorized in performing its functions under this section to utilize the services and facilities of the various agencies and instrumentalities of the United States, with the consent of such agencies and instrumentalities.
Sec. 4.
The members of the Commission shall serve without compensation.
Compensation.
Chairman, etc.
They shall select a Chairman and a secretary from among their number, but the President of the United States shall be honorary chairman of the Commission.
Sec. 5.
Any vacancies occurring in the appointive membership of
Vacancies.
the Commission shall be filled in the same manner in which the original appointment was made.
Approved August 8, 1953.