SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 207 Offered February 9, 2006 Commending William M. Anderson, Jr. ---------- Patrons-- Chichester and Houck; Delegates: Cole, Howell, W.J. and Orrock ----------

WHEREAS, Dr. William M. Anderson, Jr. will retire at the end of the 2005-2006 academic year after 30 years of exemplary service, including 23 years as president, to the University of Mary Washington; and

WHEREAS, an enthusiastic, effective, and visionary leader, William Anderson implemented significant improvements to virtually every aspect of the institution, reaffirming and augmenting the University of Mary Washington’s mission of providing excellence in education in the liberal arts and sciences; and

WHEREAS, William Anderson was invaluable in the enhancement of both the beauty and the functionality of the campus through an extensive program of construction and renovation; and

WHEREAS, William Anderson initiated the expansion of both academic and recreational opportunities for students through the implementation of master’s degree programs; the Leidecker Center for Asian Studies; the James Farmer Visiting Professorship; a state-of-the-art campus communication network; the construction of a new campus center, baseball stadium, and tennis courts; and the establishment of the intercollegiate athletic program and the Community Outreach and Resources program; and

WHEREAS, William Anderson fostered a greater role for the institution in the community by expanding the Gari Melchers Home and Studio; building the Ridderhof Martin Gallery and Jepson Alumni Executive Center; and offering many public programs, including the Executive-in-Residence Business Leaders Breakfast, the Fredericksburg Forum, the Great Lives public lecture series, and the University-Community Symphony Orchestra Celebrity Series; and

WHEREAS, William Anderson was responsible for the creation of the College of Graduate and Professional Studies, which includes a Small Business Development Center and bachelor’s and master’s degree programs designed to meet the needs of the area's adult population; and

WHEREAS, with an unwavering commitment to new programs and educational excellence, William Anderson's fundraising efforts and procurement of state and private funds increased the institution’s endowment from $1.3 million to $24.5 million; and

WHEREAS, William Anderson was rewarded for his hard work and dedication in 2004 when Mary Washington attained university status, a crowning achievement for his presidency; and

WHEREAS, under William Anderson's superb leadership, the University of Mary Washington has grown and prospered, evolving into one of the nation's best universities; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend and congratulate William M. Anderson, Jr. for 30 years of outstanding service to the Commonwealth and the students, faculty, staff, and alumni of the University of Mary Washington; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to William M. Anderson, Jr. as an expression of the General Assembly's best wishes for a fulfilling and joyful retirement.