WHEREAS, Thomas Nelson Community College, founded in 1967, was the first community college in the Virginia Peninsula and Tidewater regions; and
WHEREAS, the 50th anniversary of Thomas Nelson Community College is an opportunity to recognize the institution's contributions to the vitality of the region and the Commonwealth; and
WHEREAS, since opening its doors for classes in the fall of 1968 with an enrollment of more than 1,000 students, Thomas Nelson Community College has remained true to its mission of providing high quality collegiate and workforce education to citizens of the Virginia Peninsula for 50 years; and
WHEREAS, Thomas Nelson Community College helps students achieve their academic goals and objectives through excellent, effective, and responsive program options and services; and
WHEREAS, Thomas Nelson Community College has developed partnerships that support economic development and global understanding; and
WHEREAS, Thomas Nelson Community College recognizes and celebrates diversity in the community and believes that educational opportunities should be accessible to all individuals who can benefit from the college's programs and services; and
WHEREAS, students choose Thomas Nelson Community College because of its talented, caring, and committed faculty and staff; and
WHEREAS, Thomas Nelson Community College partners with area businesses and industries, including NASA Langley Research Center and Newport News Shipbuilding, to prepare a workforce that meets the needs of the Virginia Peninsula's employers; and
WHEREAS, three-quarters of all Thomas Nelson Community College students remain in Hampton Roads and contribute to the economy through the value they bring to employers; and
WHEREAS, Thomas Nelson Community College has made significant contributions to the prosperity of the Virginia Peninsula and is deeply committed to improving the lives of its students and all members of the community; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Thomas Nelson Community College on the occasion of its 50th anniversary as "The Peninsula's Community College"; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to John T. Dever, president of Thomas Nelson Community College, as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for the institution's commitment to higher education and longtime service to the citizens of the Commonwealth.