When Delaware State University was founded in 1890, it was not by choice, but by social reality.

These ivy league students are in the upper echelon of the college boards and had great opportunity in front of them regardless of where they go to college. Its in their very nature and it is something they expect.

Through the years you, the Delaware State family and your predecessors, have faced many challenges. You worked through them with fierce determination and good will, and you have made great progress.

But all of this success came at the end of a long climb.

Ensuring a bright future for all our children is the responsibility of the community, the schools, families and like it or not- politicians as well.

Working together we can strengthen Delaware State University and the students who attend it.

I remember coming to this college in the 1960s as a new legislator when a road divided the campus - and it was not fully paved at that - and no wall defined the campus from the highway.