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2011 SESSION


SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 492
Celebrating the life of Arthur W. Arundel.
 
Agreed to by the Senate, February 24, 2011
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, February 25, 2011
 

WHEREAS, Arthur W. Arundel, a legendary leader in communications who advocated for the founding of George Mason University and helped preserve thousands of acres of pristine land near The Plains, died on February 8, 2011; and

WHEREAS, born on January 12, 1928, in Washington, D.C., Arthur “Nick” Arundel was the son of Pepsi-Cola Bottling executive Russell Arundel and his wife, Marjorie; and

WHEREAS, a graduate of Sidwell Friends School, Nick Arundel received a bachelor’s degree from Harvard University and proudly served his country as a special forces combat officer in the United States Marine Corps, earning Purple Hearts in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars; and

WHEREAS, Nick Arundel’s extraordinary career in communications began when he covered the nation’s capital as a correspondent for CBS News before moving to United Press International and reporting on the White House; and

WHEREAS, a visionary entrepreneur, Nick Arundel bought a bankrupt country music radio station in Washington, D.C., and launched the first 24-hour news programming station, WAVA, at a time when the listeners wanted up-to-date coverage of the Vietnam War; and

WHEREAS, the station’s revolutionary new format proved to be an instant success that led to the acquisition of other radio and cable television stations that delivered “all news all the time,” while other media outlets across the nation adopted the new model; and

WHEREAS, Nick Arundel later ventured into newspaper publishing, purchasing or starting up many of the Commonwealth’s popular publications, including the Loudoun Times-Mirror, the Fauquier Times-Democrat, and the Reston Times; and

WHEREAS, Nick Arundel was an early leader and advocate for a four-year institution of higher education in Northern Virginia, eventually serving as the first board chair of George Mason University and profoundly influencing its growth and direction; and

WHEREAS, a resident of The Plains, Nick Arundel was instrumental in preserving and restoring the small community and later founded Great Meadow there, a 250-acre events facility and steeplechase course that hosts numerous community events throughout the year; and

WHEREAS, Nick Arundel played a pivotal role in the local community, cofounding The Journey Through Hallowed Ground, a scenic American history and cultural trail; the United States Marine Corps Heritage Center; and the Friends of the National Zoo; and

WHEREAS, Nick Arundel’s innovative ideas and driving energy shaped the way media outlets delivered news, strongly influenced the creation and direction of George Mason University, and preserved some of the Commonwealth’s most scenic lands; and

WHEREAS, Nick Arundel received many local, state, and national awards and accolades throughout his life and on the day after his death, was to receive the Outstanding Virginian of the Year award for 2011; and

WHEREAS, Nick Arundel will be greatly missed by his wife of more than 50 years, Margaret; children, Sally, Wendy, Tom, John, and Peter, and their families; and his numerous other family members, friends, and admirers; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of an outstanding Virginian, Arthur W. Arundel; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Arthur W. Arundel as an expression of the General Assembly’s respect for his memory.