Bill Text: VA SJR431 | 2017 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Commending Mildred B. West.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2017-02-23 - Bill text as passed Senate and House (SJ431ER) [SJR431 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2017-SJR431-Enrolled.html
WHEREAS, in 2017, Mildred B. West earned an honorary degree from The College of William and Mary for her more than five decades of service to the university and for her passionate advocacy for women's athletics; and
WHEREAS, after earning a bachelor's degree from Georgia State College for Women and a master's degree from the University of Maryland, Mildred "Millie" West began her long and fulfilling career at The College of William and Mary in 1959; and
WHEREAS, Millie West has served The College of William and Mary for more than 50 years as an instructor, coach, administrator, and fundraiser, working diligently to expand opportunities for female student-athletes; and
WHEREAS, during her 17-year tenure as women's athletics director, Millie West helped the program's budget grow from $19,000 to more than $1 million; she helped organize the Wightman Cup tennis tournament and the Plumeri Pro-Am golf tournament, led annual fundraisers to raise money for women's athletics, and oversaw implementation of Title IX programs; and
WHEREAS, Millie West established and served as coach of the swimming program at The College of William and Mary, and she recorded more than 200 wins as head coach of the women's tennis team; deeply committed to the men's and women's tennis teams, she helped to coordinate the creation of the state-of-the-art McCormack-Nagelson Tennis Center; and
WHEREAS, in recognition of her exceptional achievements in service to The College of William and Mary, Millie West was inducted into the William and Mary Athletics Hall of Fame, was named as an honorary alumna in 1991, and served as the grand marshal for Homecoming 2013; additionally, the college's outdoor tennis facility was renamed the Millie West Tennis Facility in 2010; and
WHEREAS, Millie West received an honorary degree at The College of William and Mary Charter Day ceremony on February 10, 2017; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Mildred B. West on receiving an honorary degree from The College of William and Mary; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Mildred B. West as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for her many contributions to college athletics at The College of William and Mary.