Bill Text: WV SR48 | 2020 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Recognizing 125th Anniversary of Bluefield State College
Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill
Status: (Passed) 2020-02-21 - Completed legislative action [SR48 Detail]
Download: West_Virginia-2020-SR48-Introduced.html
SENATE RESOLUTION 48
(By Senators Swope and Maynard)
[Introduced February 20, 2020]
Recognizing the 125th anniversary of Bluefield State College.
Whereas, Senate Bill 122 was introduced into the West Virginia Senate by Mercer County State Senator William Mahood on February 1, 1895, providing expanded educational opportunities for the Mountain State’s individuals of color; and
Whereas, Senate Bill 122 passed both chambers of the State Legislature on February 21, 1895, and advanced to the desk of West Virginia Governor William McCorkle, who neither signed nor vetoed the bill. As a result, Senate Bill 122 became law 60 days after passage in both chambers; and
Whereas, Senate Bill 122 established a school in Bluefield, “to be called ‘Bluefield Colored Institute,’” and a sum of eight thousand dollars in state funding was designated for the purpose of a site for the school and construction of buildings; and
Whereas, Bluefield Colored Institute began serving its first class of students on September 1, 1896, and embraced its academic mission with passion and an entrepreneurial spirit, embodied by its Industrial Arts program, whose students built many of the structures in which they studied and lived on campus; and
Whereas, Bluefield Colored Institute soon evolved into a normal school, Bluefield State Teachers College, then further diversified its curriculum through offer several high-demand, career-focused degree programs, and the Institute was, as a result, renamed Bluefield State College; and
Whereas, Throughout its 125-year history, Bluefield State College has served the residents of the state, nation, and world with distinction, holding 12 program specific academic accreditations, winning two world robotics championships, and equipping students for successful careers in STEM reliant careers, education, and liberal arts; and
Whereas, Bluefield State College students, employees, and alumni, through the insight of the College’s Board of Governors and the vision and leadership of the College’s administration, take an active role in volunteerism and community engagement; and
Whereas, The year 2020 marks the 125th anniversary of Bluefield State College’s founding; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate:
That the Senate hereby recognizes the 125th anniversary of Bluefield State College; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Senate extends its sincere appreciation and gratitude to Bluefield State College for its contributions to the state of West Virginia; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to the president of Bluefield State College, Robin Capehart.
