HJ948: Celebrating the life of Annie Lee Farmer McGuire.
WHEREAS, Phillip C. Stone, the admired and respected president of Sweet Briar College, will retire in May 2017; and
WHEREAS, a native of Bassett, Phillip Stone received a bachelor’s degree from Bridgewater College, attended the University of Chicago Graduate School of Economics, and received a law degree from the University of Virginia; and
WHEREAS, Phillip Stone practiced law for 24 years with the Harrisonburg law firm of Wharton, Aldhizer, and Weaver, and served as president of the Virginia Bar Association in 1997; and
WHEREAS, prior to serving as president of Sweet Briar College, Phillip Stone served as the seventh president of Bridgewater College for 16 years, nearly doubling enrollment and overseeing an expansion of programs during his presidency; and
WHEREAS, Phillip Stone was enjoying semi-retirement and working with his children in the family practice, the Stone Law Group in Harrisonburg, when he agreed to lead Sweet Briar College when it nearly closed in July 2015; and
WHEREAS, after being named president of Sweet Briar College, Phillip Stone worked tirelessly to hire faculty and staff, reinstate key programs, and fill critical administrative roles to ensure the college could successfully open and recruit additional students; and
WHEREAS, under Phillip Stone’s leadership, Sweet Briar College was able to open during the 2015 - 2016 academic year on time with all of its programs intact and a 39 percent increase in enrollment in 2016; and
WHEREAS, an admired leader, Phillip Stone served as chair of the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the NCAA Division III Presidents Council, and the Council of Independent Colleges in Virginia; and
WHEREAS, Phillip Stone brought great enthusiasm and passion to the presidency of Sweet Briar College and worked with great distinction; he looks forward to spending time with family, traveling, and maintaining his affiliation with local historical groups; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Phillip C. Stone on his 18 years of outstanding leadership as the president of Bridgewater College and Sweet Briar College; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Phillip C. Stone as an expression of the General Assembly’s admiration for his many achievements and best wishes in all of his future endeavors.
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 948
Patrons-- Rodman, Adams, D.M., Bagby, Bourne, Delaney, Keam, Kory, Lindsey, Mullin, Plum, Sickles, Simon and Sullivan; Senators: Boysko, Ebbin and Spruill
WHEREAS, Annie Lee Farmer McGuire, a loving wife, mother, and grandmother, and a woman of deep and abiding faith who made many contributions to her community, died on January 16, 2019; and
WHEREAS, a native of Wytheville, Annie McGuire married her husband, Harold, in 1956; the couple spent 53 joyous years together until his death in 2009; and
WHEREAS, Annie and Harold McGuire served and safeguarded the community together as longtime members of the Tuckahoe Volunteer Rescue Squad; Annie McGuire originally served in the squad’s auxiliary, then became one of its first female members and was certified as an emergency medical technician; and
WHEREAS, after retiring from SunTrust in 2005, Annie McGuire devoted her time to her church and to community service; she enjoyed fellowship and worship with the congregation of Good Shepherd United Methodist Church and offered hope and support to the homeless as an active volunteer at CARITAS; and
WHEREAS, affectionately known as “Mamaw,” Annie McGuire never met a stranger, and she was a mother figure to countless people over the years, making everyone around her feel welcome and loved; and
WHEREAS, Annie McGuire provided end of life care to her mother, husband, cousin, and sister, and her kindness, compassion, and dedication to family and friends were unparalleled; and
WHEREAS, Annie McGuire will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by her children, Deana and Lori, and their families, and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of Annie Lee Farmer McGuire; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Annie Lee Farmer McGuire as an expression of the General Assembly’s respect for her memory.