Representative Grace F. Napolitano Donates Congressional Archives to University of La Verne
Representative Grace F. Napolitano (D-31) announced on Wednesday the donation of her distinguished congressional archives to the University of La Verne (ULV). Serving in Congress for 26 years, Napolitano intends for this collection to enrich scholarly pursuits on California’s representation, congressional studies, and the state’s historical narrative.
Dr. Risa Dickson, president of the University of La Verne, expressed enthusiasm for the donation, stating, “This is an incredible moment for the institution in so many ways, and the culmination of a lot of hard work. Representative Napolitano has been a strong advocate and powerful voice for immigration reform, voting rights, veterans, small businesses, and women. These archives will serve to educate and inspire University of La Verne’s students, researchers, and future public servants.”
In 2019, Napolitano received an Honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters from ULV, in recognition of her illustrious career. Notably, her advocacy secured $2.2 million in federal funding to establish the Institute of Mental Health and Psychological Well-Being at La Verne.
Napolitano was born in Brownsville, Texas and attended Cerritos College. She served as Mayor of Norwalk and California State Assemblymember, before being elected as a representative to the 106th and twelve succeeding Congresses (January 3, 1999, to January 3, 2025).
Located at the Wilson Library, the ULV archives are open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. These archives include photographs, U.S. Military Challenge Coins, speeches, and a wrestling belt symbolizing her staunch advocacy for mental health awareness. Additionally, the collection features newsletters, important pieces of legislation Napolitano sponsored or co-sponsored, constituent correspondence, and more.
An exhibition showcasing a substantial portion of the archival collection will be hosted at the Harris Art Gallery adjacent to the Wilson Library until May 1, with a return engagement from June 1 to July 15.
