HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 40 Offered January 9, 2008 Prefiled December 20, 2007 Commending Dr. Robert Bruce Stroube. ---------- Patron-- Peace ----------

WHEREAS, State Health Commissioner Robert B. Stroube, M.D., M.P.H., will retire at the end of 2007, after nearly 34 years of dedicated and outstanding service to the citizens of the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, during his exceptional tenure as commissioner, Dr. Stroube’s commitment to the well-being of Virginia's citizens has had a profound impact on communities across the Commonwealth in a period of dynamic global change and great challenges in public health; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Stroube earned a bachelor's degree in biology from the College of William and Mary in 1968; received a master's degree in public health from the Johns Hopkins University in 1974; completed a medical degree in 1974 and a residency in preventive medicine in 1976 at Virginia Commonwealth University; and was board certified in 1983 by the American Board of Preventive Medicine as a specialist in public health and general preventive medicine; and

WHEREAS, an exemplary administrator who has responded to the needs of Virginia's citizens in state emergencies, Dr. Stroube worked closely with the state medical examiner after the Virginia Tech shootings, led the state Department of Health's response to the September 11 terrorist attack on the Pentagon, and headed the public health response following Hurricane Isabel; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Stroube has served numerous professional and civic organizations over the years, including a term as president of the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials; and

WHEREAS, highly respected for his knowledge in the areas of public health and preventive medicine on the local, state, and national level, Dr. Stroube has been called upon by Congress to testify on a wide range of important and timely issues, including pandemic influenza and public health preparedness; and

WHEREAS, throughout his distinguished career in public service, Dr. Stroube has received many awards and accolades and was honored with the National Governors Association Award for Distinguished Service to State Government in 2007; and

WHEREAS, through his visionary leadership, Dr. Stroube has supported public policies to protect and enhance the quality of life of all Virginians, and under his guidance, the Commonwealth is looked upon by many other states as a model for the promotion of public health; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly commend Dr. Robert B. Stroube on his 34 years of service to the Commonwealth; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Dr. Robert B. Stroube as an expression of the General Assembly’s gratitude for his many contributions and best wishes for a happy and rewarding retirement.