Bill Text: VA HJR168 | 2010 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Commending John T. Whelan.
Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Republican 2-1)
Status: (Passed) 2010-01-29 - House: Bill text as passed House and Senate (HJ168ER) [HJR168 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2010-HJR168-Enrolled.html
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WHEREAS, John T. Whelan, a native of Philadelphia, received his bachelor of science degree from Canisius College in 1963 and a master's degree in 1965 from the University of Pittsburgh; and WHEREAS, after a tour in the United States Army, John T. Whelan completed his doctorate in political science at the University of Pittsburgh in 1972; and WHEREAS, John T. Whelan accepted his first and only academic appointment as instructor of political science in 1970, when he became one of four founding members of the newly created political science department at the University of Richmond; he was promoted to assistant professor in 1972, associate professor in 1984, and full professor of political science in 1993; he will retire in May 2010; and WHEREAS, for the past 25 years, John T. Whelan's service to the University of Richmond has included many leadership positions: chairman of three university committees; chairman of a special task force that created the advising system; chairman of the Department of Political Science; Director of the Graduate Program of the Department of Political Science; and advisor of Pi Sigma Alpha, the honorary society of the Department of Political Science; and WHEREAS, during his tenure at the University of Richmond, John T. Whelan taught Introduction to American Government and various courses on the presidency, the legislative branch, and state politics, including Virginia government; and WHEREAS, John T. Whelan is esteemed and recognized by students for his depth of knowledge, his enthusiasm for the subjects of government and politics, and his sage advice as a mentor; and WHEREAS, John T. Whelan received the Outstanding Professor Award from Omicron Delta Kappa, and as the resident expert on the workings of Virginia government, he has published numerous papers on a myriad of topics related to interest groups, the legislature, the budget process, and judicial selection; and WHEREAS, John T. Whelan's most significant and enduring legacy will be his leadership of the Virginia General Assembly Internship Program, which he has directed for the past 33 years; during that time he has placed and supervised nearly 500 interns in positions with legislators, legislative agencies, executive agencies, interest groups and lobbyists, news media, and other elected officials, including the offices of the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Attorney General; and WHEREAS, many graduates of the internship program have used the experience to begin their professional careers, distinguishing themselves in state and national government and politics, academia, law, business, and community service; and WHEREAS, a scholar and a pleasant, dignified, and collegial gentleman, John T. Whelan is respected and admired by his colleagues; and WHEREAS, as the last remaining member of the original Department of Political Science, which he cofounded, the retirement of John T. Whelan marks the close of an era at the University of Richmond; and WHEREAS, for over 40 years, John T. Whelan has served the University of Richmond and its students with unusual distinction, unassailable integrity, and extraordinary scholarship and consistency; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly commend John T. Whelan on his retirement and his singular contributions to the University of Richmond; and, be it RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to John T. Whelan, scholar, professor, author, and mentor, as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration of and gratitude for his stellar professorial career. |
