WHEREAS, Harry T. Lester will conclude his distinguished service as president of Eastern Virginia Medical School on April 15, 2013; and

WHEREAS, a member and former rector of the Eastern Virginia Medical School Board of Visitors, Harry Lester has served as president of the school since March 17, 2005; and

WHEREAS, a visionary leader, Harry Lester worked collaboratively with community members, state government leaders, and the medical community to position Eastern Virginia Medical School for continued success in the future; and

WHEREAS, during Harry Lester's eight-year tenure, Eastern Virginia Medical School received vital capital funding toward the construction of an Education and Research building and saw its annual budget reach similar levels as other medical schools across the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, Harry Lester also garnered increased financial support from the community and Eastern Virginia Medical School's teaching-hospital partners; and

WHEREAS, Harry Lester helped ensure the overwhelming success of Eastern Virginia Medical School's 20 Twenty Capital Campaign, which will support the school's capacity to train quality health care professionals; and

WHEREAS, Harry Lester oversaw the renovation of nearly all campus facilities, the recruitment of nationally known researchers, the addition of world-class faculty, and the acquisition of leading-edge technologies; and

WHEREAS, Harry Lester increased awareness, understanding, and appreciation of Eastern Virginia Medical School's importance to the local community, emphasizing its ability to provide high-quality health care for Norfolk's citizens and its cutting-edge research; and

WHEREAS, an admired leader, Harry Lester strongly supported the mission and vision of Eastern Virginia Medical School and its faculty, staff, and students throughout his tenure and leaves behind an institution well-positioned to train the health care professionals of tomorrow; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Harry T. Lester for his distinguished service as president of Eastern Virginia Medical School; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Harry T. Lester as an expression of the General Assembly's gratitude for his commitment to higher education in the Commonwealth.