Bill Text: VA SJR220 | 2022 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Commending Harry Wason.
Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill
Status: (Passed) 2022-03-12 - Bill text as passed Senate and House (SJ220ER) [SJR220 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2022-SJR220-Enrolled.html
WHEREAS, Harry Wason, an entrepreneur, conservationist, and humanitarian, has made countless contributions to the Hampton Roads community and the Commonwealth as a whole; and
WHEREAS, a graduate of The College of William and Mary and a former real estate developer, Harry Wason founded Wason Realty Company in 1953 but is better known in the community for his exceptional commitment to philanthropy and engaged citizenship; and
WHEREAS, in 1963, Harry Wason worked with physicians and members of the business community to create Virginia Health Services, which independently operates a range of nursing homes, convalescent and rehabilitation centers, and assisted living and retirement communities; and
WHEREAS, Harry Wason is passionate about preserving the Commonwealth's natural resources and played a vital role in the establishment of the Virginia Living Museum in Newport News, a combination zoo, aquarium, botanical garden, and science center; he has served the museum in a variety of leadership roles and helped create the institution's planned giving program; and
WHEREAS, Harry Wason has volunteered his leadership and expertise to the Rotary Club of Warwick at City Center Newport News, the Junior League of Hampton Roads, and the Board of Directors of Harbor Bank, and he was instrumental in the establishment of the Fairfield Foundation, a nonprofit archaeological research organization in Gloucester; and
WHEREAS, Harry Wason has enjoyed a long affiliation with Christopher Newport University, serving as chair of the community group that advised the institution on policy when it became independent from The College of William and Mary, as well as serving as the first vice rector of the Board of Visitors from 1976 to 1979; and
WHEREAS, Harry Wason and his wife, Judy, are longtime supporters of the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, through which they commissioned the play "Slave Spy: The Story of James Lafayette," which was performed at the International Spy Museum in Washington, D.C.; and
WHEREAS, Harry and Judy Wason have initiated and contributed to countless philanthropic efforts which have immeasurably benefited the lives of countless Virginians in the Newport News community, the Virginia Peninsula region, and across the entire Commonwealth; and
WHEREAS, Harry and Judy Wason have also funded scholarships for students through the Peninsula Community Foundation and created the Wason Fund for Public Safety to increase communication between local law-enforcement agencies and residents; and
WHEREAS, Harry Wason has served numerous communities in the Commonwealth with the utmost dedication, integrity, and distinction; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Harry Wason for his legacy of service to Hampton Roads and the Commonwealth; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Harry Wason as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for his personal and professional achievements.
