HJ714: Commending John R. Broderick.
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 714
Patrons-- Filler-Corn, Avoli, Ayala, Bagby, Bourne, Bulova, Carr, Convirs-Fowler, Davis, Delaney, Fowler, Guy, Hayes, Heretick, Hope, Jones, Keam, Knight, Kory, Levine, Plum, Reid, Simonds, Watts and Webert; Senators: Bell, Boysko, Cosgrove, Deeds, DeSteph, Howell, Lewis, Petersen and Spruill
WHEREAS, John R. Broderick, who has provided exemplary service to Old Dominion University for nearly 30 years, including 13 years as president of the institution, will retire in 2021; and
WHEREAS, John Broderick earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Northeastern University and a master’s degree in counseling from St. Bonaventure University; he then worked as a newspaper reporter in Massachusetts and Connecticut and as a tourism director for Martha’s Vineyard before joining St. Bonaventure University and the University of Pittsburgh; and
WHEREAS, John Broderick joined Old Dominion University in 1993 as director of public information and served with distinction in that and other roles, including chief of staff to the president and vice president of institutional advancement; and
WHEREAS, in 2008, John Broderick was appointed president of Old Dominion University; over his 13-year tenure, he became the longest-serving president in the university’s history; and
WHEREAS, under John Broderick’s leadership, Old Dominion University has received more than $1 billion in new public and private resources, including its largest donation, worth $37 million, from Richard F. and Carolyn Barry for the establishment of the Barry Art Museum in 2018; and
WHEREAS, John Broderick has been a visionary for diversity and inclusion and has reshaped the campus at Old Dominion University; with students of color comprising nearly 50 percent of enrollment, the institution has been ranked by The Education Trust as among the top 15 schools in the country for African American student success; and
WHEREAS, the Broderick Dining Commons at Old Dominion University was named for John Broderick and first lady Kate Broderick at the request of student leaders to recognize the Brodericks’ commitment to inclusion and student success, and
WHEREAS, John Broderick has demonstrated an unflagging commitment to student success, establishing the $20 million Student Success Center and Learning Commons, achieving the highest graduation rate in Old Dominion University’s history, and producing the second-highest percentage of science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and health (STEM-H) graduates among the Commonwealth’s doctoral institutions; and
WHEREAS, under John Broderick’s direction, Old Dominion University has become a national leader on the issue of social mobility, with the creation of the annual Social Mobility Symposium and the university’s Center for Social Mobility; and
WHEREAS, Old Dominion University strengthened its research profile during John Broderick’s tenure, establishing a premier reputation in such fields as resilience, sea level rise, cybersecurity, and bioelectrics and creating institutes and centers such as the Institute for Coastal Adaptation and Resilience, the Center for Global Health, the Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and the Virginia Institute for Spaceflight and Autonomy; and
WHEREAS, John Broderick has transformed the campus, spearheading the construction or renovation of more than two dozen buildings for education, chemistry, engineering, art and music, and entrepreneurship, among other disciplines, as well as expanding and relocating the School of Nursing to Virginia Beach; and
WHEREAS, John Broderick has wisely steered Old Dominion University during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, alternating between virtual and hybrid learning approaches to help protect the health of faculty, staff, and students while maintaining a robust educational program and increasing enrollment in both the summer and fall semesters of 2020; and
WHEREAS, John Broderick oversaw the return of football to Old Dominion University in 2009 after a 69-year absence, increasing school spirit and strengthening on-campus life; he also served as chairman of the Conference USA Board of Directors while emphasizing that academics takes priority over athletics; and
WHEREAS, John Broderick’s superlative leadership has been recognized with numerous honors, including the President’s Award from the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators, Community Leaders’ Award from the Urban League of Hampton Roads, 2020 Distinguished 400 Award from the 400 Years of African American History Commission, Humanitarian Award from the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities, and First Citizen of Hampton Roads Award from the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce; and
WHEREAS, John Broderick has distinguished himself beyond Old Dominion University with his leadership as past chairman of the Council of Presidents of the Southeastern Universities Research Association and the Virginia Council of Presidents; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend John R. Broderick on the occasion of his retirement in 2021 as president of Old Dominion University; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to John R. Broderick as an expression of the General Assembly’s admiration for his outstanding leadership of Old Dominion University and his exemplary service and unwavering commitment to its students and the Commonwealth.