WHEREAS, Dr. John J. Cavan, a devoted, forward-thinking leader in higher education, retires as the president of Southside Virginia Community College in 2014; and

WHEREAS, John Cavan graduated from Nicholls State University and earned master's degrees from Kean University and Yeshiva University; he also earned a doctorate from Yeshiva University and completed postdoctoral work at Harvard University; and

WHEREAS, an experienced and passionate educator, John Cavan held positions as a teacher at George Mason University, The George Washington University, and Yeshiva University; he held administrative positions at Atlantic Cape Community College and Mohawk Valley Community College; and

WHEREAS, John Cavan became the president of Southside Virginia Community College in 1983 and set out to guide the college into the twenty-first century; and

WHEREAS, under John Cavan's tenure, Southside Virginia Community College has experienced record enrollment, developed innovative new programs, and prepared thousands of students for success in further education, careers, and citizenship; and

WHEREAS, John Cavan emphasized the importance of the students and was committed to helping underserved communities; with his visionary leadership, the college has been able to provide many new opportunities, including a truck driving school, additional nursing programs, an honors program, athletics teams, and the largest dual enrollment program in the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, due in large part to John Cavan's dedicated leadership, Southside Virginia Community College has one of the best served and largest service areas in the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, receiving many awards and accolades for his work, John Cavan was honored by the Virginia Community Colleges Association Executive Committee and received the Southern Region Chief Executive Officer Award from the Association of Community College Trustees; former Virginia Governor George Allen proclaimed February 13 as John J. Cavan Day in his honor; and

WHEREAS, John Cavan has been inducted into the Nicholls State University Hall of Fame, the Mississippi Delta Community College Sports Hall of Fame, and the Newark Athletic Hall of Fame, and he has completed 120 marathons, including 18 Boston Marathons and 29 New York City Marathons; he brings an athlete's tenacity and enthusiasm to all of his pursuits; and

WHEREAS, with his vision, determination, and professionalism, John Cavan leaves a legacy of excellence to Southside Virginia Community College and community college presidents throughout the Commonwealth; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Dr. John J. Cavan, an established leader in higher education, on the occasion of his retirement in 2014; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Dr. John J. Cavan as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for his work to help the students of the Commonwealth build bright futures.