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2006 SESSION
WHEREAS, Joseph C. Smiddy of Wise is recognized for his extraordinary gifts as a renowned educator, storyteller, and traditional Appalachian musician; and
WHEREAS, in 1954 the beloved “Papa Joe” Smiddy helped establish Clinch Valley College, now known as the University of Virginia’s College at Wise; and
WHEREAS, during World War II, Joseph Smiddy served his country in the United States Army in New Caledonia and the Philippines; and
WHEREAS, Joseph Smiddy began his career as a biology and chemistry teacher and band director at Jonesville High School, where he later served as principal; and
WHEREAS, Joseph Smiddy was hired as Clinch Valley College’s first biology instructor in 1954 and went on to serve as dean and director before being named chancellor in 1968; and
WHEREAS, during his 27 years as chancellor, Joseph Smiddy guided Clinch Valley College from a two-year college to a senior institution; and
WHEREAS, following his retirement from Clinch Valley College in 1985, Joseph Smiddy has continued to work tirelessly on behalf of the University of Virginia’s College at Wise; and
WHEREAS, Joseph Smiddy’s numerous honors and awards include the University of Virginia’s College at Wise Alumni Association’s Meritorious Achievement Award, the Wise County Outstanding Citizen Award, the Wise County Outstanding Educator Award, the Kanto Award, and inclusion in the Virginia Hall of Fame; and
WHEREAS, in 1981 Joseph Smiddy was named a laureate of the Virginia Cultural Laureate Center; and
WHEREAS, Joseph Smiddy received honorary doctorates from his alma mater, Lincoln Memorial University in 1970, the University of Richmond in 1975, and The College of William and Mary in 1985; and
WHEREAS, Joseph Smiddy has been an active member of various civic organizations for decades, including the Kiwanis Club, which recently honored him for a lifetime of service; and
WHEREAS, Joseph Smiddy and the Reedy Creek Band have shared the music of the Appalachian Mountains with audiences across Virginia, the United States, and in several foreign countries; and
WHEREAS, Joseph Smiddy has served as an ambassador for the University of Virginia’s College at Wise and Southwest Virginia for more than five decades; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly commend and congratulate Joseph C. Smiddy for his valuable service to Southwest Virginia; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Joseph C. Smiddy as an expression of the General Assembly's appreciation for his many accomplishments.