Bill Text: VA SJR363 | 2019 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Commending Virginia Commonwealth University.
Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill
Status: (Passed) 2019-02-20 - Bill text as passed Senate and House (SJ363ER) [SJR363 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2019-SJR363-Enrolled.html
WHEREAS, Virginia Commonwealth University, which in 2018 celebrated the 180th anniversary of its founding and 50th anniversary under its current name, is committed to providing quality higher education and exemplary programs and services to the citizens of Virginia; and
WHEREAS, the Medical College of Virginia was established in 1838 as the medical department of Hampden-Sydney College, and the Richmond Professional Institute was established in 1917 as the Richmond School of Social Work and Public Health; and
WHEREAS, the 1968 merger of the Medical College of Virginia and Richmond Professional Institute created Virginia Commonwealth University, now one of the Commonwealth's largest public universities with 32,000 students; and
WHEREAS, Virginia Commonwealth University now has a $6 billion impact on the Commonwealth through its commitment to education, research, innovation, creativity, health care, and social engagement; and
WHEREAS, Virginia Commonwealth University has increased its graduation rate by 37 percent in the last decade, one of the largest surges in the nation; and
WHEREAS, Virginia Commonwealth University has 19 nationally ranked academic programs, including six programs in their respective top five slots and two programs, nursing anesthesia and fine arts-sculpture, ranked the best in the nation; and
WHEREAS, Virginia Commonwealth University conducts groundbreaking research, offers relevant courses, delivers leading-edge medical care, and provides 1.3 million hours of service across Virginia and beyond; and
WHEREAS, Virginia Commonwealth University is recognized as a leader in teaching, research, public service, and patient care for the City of Richmond, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the United States; and
WHEREAS, throughout its history, Virginia Commonwealth University has preserved its rich educational heritage, while recognizing the opportunities of the present and preparing for the challenges of the future; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Virginia Commonwealth University on the occasion of the 180th anniversary of its founding and 50th anniversary under its current name; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Dr. Michael Rao, president of Virginia Commonwealth University, as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for the university's outstanding efforts to provide exceptional services in the area of higher education and health care.
